a) Setting up microbial and animal cell cultures (6)

Question 1

Microbial cultures

Answer 1

For microbial cultures, an appropriate growth medium like nutrient agar for bacteria. For animal cells, a nutrient-rich medium supplemented with serum is used to provide essential growth factors.

Question 2

Culture medium

Answer 2

The culture medium and equipment must be sterilized to prevent contamination. This is typically achieved using an autoclave for microbial cultures and using sterile techniques and equipment for animal cell cultures

Question 3

Cultures

Answer 3

The cultures are incubated under conditions optimal for growth. Microbial cultures may require specific temperatures, whilst animal cell cultures need controlled temperature, pH, and CO₂ levels to mimic physiological conditions

Question 4

Subculturing

Answer 4

Both microbial and animal cell cultures may require subculturing to maintain viability and promote continued growth. This involves transferring cells to fresh medium to prevent nutrient depletion and avoid overgrowth

Question 5

Aseptic techniques

Answer 5

When culturing microbial or cell cultures you have to used aseptic techniques to eliminate unwanted microbial contamination, this consists of 4 elements. One of them being sterile work area this can be done by disinfecting surfaces before and after use with 70% ethanol and using a culture hood, a second one being good personal hygiene- washing hands before and after all procedures, wearing gloves and cover cuts with platers and wea appropriate PPE (Personal protective equipment), third element being that media and reagents are sterile and free from contaminations. Lastly the 4 element being sterile handling, wipe surface, containers, dishes and flasks with 70% ethanol, replace bottle lids, sterile glass or single use disposable plastic bottles and try perform the experiment quickly to prevent any possible contaminations