Which of the following is the correct equation of exponential growth? 
1. \(N_t = N_0 ~e^{rnt}\)
2. \(N_t = N_0 ~e^{rpt}\)
3. \(N_t = N_0 ~e^{rst}\)
4. \(N_t = N_0 ~e^{rt}\)

In the exponential growth equation N_t =N₀e^rt, e represents :

1. The base of natural logarithms 

2. The base of geometric logarithms

3. The base of number logarithms

4. The base of exponential logarithms

The process of growth is maximum during:

1. Lag phase

2. Senescence

3. Dormancy

4. Log phase