Growth of Bacteria and Aseptic Techniques ( Topic 4)

Question 1

What does using aseptic techniques mean?

Answer 1

Working in sterile conditions throughout the experiment.

Question 2

Why is using aseptic techniques important?

Answer 2

1. It prevents foreign pathogens from contaminating the agar plates.
2. It prevents you from infection others with the bacteria you were inoculating.

Question 3

What are the aseptic techniques used pre-inoculation?

Answer 3

1. Sterilise all equipment to remove all microbes.
2. Sterilise the work surface using disinfectant to kill all microbes.
3. Wash your hands with soap to kill all the microbes on your hands.
4. Cover any cuts with bandages.
5. Wear gloves.

Question 4

What are the aseptic techniques during inoculation?

Answer 4

1. Work near a Bunsen burner, so that the convection current sterilises the air.
2. Only open the lid slightly, and when necessary, to prevent foreign microbes from landing on the agar.

Question 5

What are the aseptic techniques during post-inoculation?

Answer 5

1. Sterilise all equipment used to kill any microbes.
2. Sterilise the work surface with disinfectant to kill any microbes.
3. Wash your hands with soap to kill all the microbes on your hands.
4. Dispose of any gloves used immediately.