Microorganisms, Defence Against Disease & Medicine And Drugs

Question 1

What do we use aseptic technique to prevent?

Answer 1

The microbes you are working with do not contaminate anything else. Also that the microbes themselves are not contaminated by other microbes in the air or on surrounding surfaces.

Question 2

Explain the steps of aseptic technique.

Answer 2

1. Heat the metal loop by passing it through the flame of the Bunsen burner to sterilise it.
2. Allow the metal loop to cool, as if it is too hot it will kill any microbes that it comes into contact with.
3. Remove the lid of the culture bottle and scrape the metal loop gently over the agar. This will ensure that the metal loop has bacteria from the culture bottle over its surface (inoculation)
4. Replace the lid of the culture bottle to prevent contamination. It is advantageous to ‘sweep’

Question 3

When growing or culturing microbes what safety procedures need to be followed?

Answer 3

• not eating or drinking in the laboratory
• wear gloves and white coats
• clean benches with disinfectant
• washing hands