The phase of the bacterial growth curve in which newly inoculated cells are adjusting to their new environment, metabolizing but not growing at an exponential rate, is the

The lag phase

Explanation:

The lag phase is the initial phase of bacterial growth curve where new bacterial cells are still adapting to their new environment and preparing themselves for the digestion of new medium (nutrient supply). They are metabolizing but not yet growing at this phase.

After the lag phase follows the log phase where bacteria starts to grow in logarithmic manner, releasing energy and waste as they start utilizing provided nutrients.

the solute can move "downhill," from regions of higher to lower concentration, relying on the specificity of the protein carrier to pass through the membrane. this process is called passive transport or facilitated diffusion, and does not require energy.