Topic 1a - cell structure and cell division (7. Culturing Microorganisms )

Question 1

what does a culture medium contain

Answer 1

carbohydrates, minerals, proteins and vitamins

Question 2

Give 2 things scientists can find out by growing bacteria

Answer 2

What they need to have to grow

Which chemicals are best for destroying them

Question 3

Bacteria divide rapidly and easily by simple cell division, this is also called ?

Answer 3

Binary fission

Question 4

To allow bacteria to grow you must provide them with all they need, what are 5 main things they need

Answer 4

An energy store (carbohydrates)
Different minerals
A nitrogen store (for making proteins)
Warmth 
Oxygen

Question 5

Give 2 reasons why contamination is important to avoid when working with microorganisms

Answer 5

They must be uncontaminated for the tests/results to be valid
They may have mutated into a new, dangerous pathogen

Question 6

In school labs why are cultures of microorganisms kept at 25C?

Answer 6

So that harmful pathogens don’t grow

Question 7

At what temperature are microorganisms cultured in school labs

Answer 7

25C

Question 8

What is the advantage of growing bacteria at a high temperature

Answer 8

They will grow more quickly and therefore can be identified earlier