Preventing bacterial growth Flashcards
What factors effect bacterial growth?
Temperature, available nutrients, oxygen levels, pH
How do you calculate the number of bacteria in a population?
You calculate the number of bacteria through the mean division time and the growth period. Every time the mean division time is reached every instance of the bacteria is doubled.
What is the equation to calculate the number of bacteria in a population?
Bacteria at the end of the growth period = Bacteria at the beginning of the growth period x 2*Number of divisions
What are disinfectants?
Disinfectants are chemicals used to kill bacteria in the environment among us.
What are antiseptics?
A disinfectant that is safe to use of human skin
What are antibiotics?
Chemicals that can be used inside our bodies which kill bacteria.
How can agar plates be used to investigate the effects of disinfectants and antibiotics?
You can use agar plates to investigate the effects of disinfectants and antibiotics by calculating the cross sectional area of colonies grown or the areas clear of agar.
