Culturing microorganisms Flashcards
To learn about how to culture microorganisms and why.
What two mediums can microorganisms be grown in?
Agar plate and nutrient broth.
Why do we culture microorganisms?
They can be used to experiment the effectiveness of different antibiotics and disinfectants.
What is a nutrient broth?
A solution of carbohydrates as an energy source, minerals and sometimes added chemicals that allow us to culture microorganisms.
What is an agar plate?
A gel plate that allows us to grow colonies of microorganisms.
What is contamination?
When a culture of bacteria is not properly looked over and grows without supervision.
What are the risks of contamination?
Health and safety risks and also jeopardising the experiment.
What are potential sources of contamination?
Skin, air, soil and water.
What are some aseptic techniques (preventions) of contamination?
Temperature, lids, boiling, flames.
How does temperature impact contamination?
In some places, the max temp for culture growing is 25° Celsius, preventing harmful bacteria to grow.
How do lids impact contamination?
It stops air getting into the plate, the lid must be taped down and the plate must be flipped to prevent condensation dripping down. The lid must quickly be removed if needed.
How does boiling impact contamination?
Solutions and agar must be boiled for fertilisation.
How do flames impact contamination?
Inoculation loops (tools for transferring bacteria) must be put on a flame and sterilised.
