* Generation time is the time it takes for a single bacterial cell to divide into two.

Here's how it works:

* If the generation time is 20 minutes, it would take 20 minutes for 2 bacteria cells to divide into 4.

Example:

* Generation time = 30 minutes

* Time to double = 30 minutes

* Time for 2 cells to become 4 cells = 30 minutes

Important Note: Generation times vary greatly between different species of bacteria. Some bacteria can divide very quickly (every 20 minutes), while others take much longer.