Lab1 Flashcards
List the 4 basic microbiology techniques learnt in lab 1
Gram stainmicroscope usestreak platelawn plate
bacteria and fungi can grow in the lab if what conditions are provided for?
Suitable nutrientsenvironment favourable for growth
How have the fomulation of many types of culture media formed?
Species of bacteria and fungi differ in their requirements for suitable nutrients and favourable growth environment
what are the two main kinds of culture media?
- liquid2. solidified with agar
what is agar?
gelling agent derived from seaweed which melts at 98-100degreesC
What conditions must the culture medium be in prior to use?
It must be sterilised and remain sterile prior to use
How are most culture media sterilised?
by autoclaving
what is autoclaving?
Uses steam under pressure to generate sufficient moist heat to kill both vegetative and heat or chemical resistant forms of microorganisms
give examples of heat or chemical resistant microorganisms
bacterial endospores, protozoan cysts
What is the pressure commonly used for autoclaving?
15 pounds per square inch for 15 mins.this increases temperature of steam to 121 degrees C
What happens to inoculated material used in the lab before disposal?
they are autoclaved before disposal
what is the innoculum
microorganisms of interest (that you want to transfer onto the sterile medium)
What is innoculation
the transfer of microorganisms of interest onto the sterile medium
What kind of technique must be used to innoculate?
aseptic technique
why must aseptic technique be used for innoculation
prevents contamination by extraneous microorganisms
where may extraneous microorganisms be?
in the air, on lab equipment or surfaces or on hands of laboratory workers
Give another reason why aseptic technique is used
also helps to prevent contamination of the lab worker by the microorganims being handled
When does growth/division occur?
when a freshly inoculated culture is incubated under favourable conditionsthis is 37degreesC for most human pathogens
How is growth of bacteria indicated by in liquid media?
cloudiness (turbidity)
how is growth of bacteria indicated by in solid media?
bacteria and fungi generally for colonies