Culturing Microorganisms

Flashcards covering essential concepts in culturing microorganisms, bacterial reproduction, and aseptic techniques.

What conditions are optimal for the growth of microorganisms?

Plenty of nutrients and oxygen, optimal temperature and pH.

How do bacteria reproduce?

Bacteria reproduce by binary fission, where the bacterium doubles in size and divides into two daughter cells.

What is the minimum time some bacteria can divide?

Some bacteria can divide in as little as 20 minutes.

What mediums can bacteria be grown in?

Bacteria can be grown in nutrient broth or on agar plates containing necessary nutrients.

What are aseptic techniques used for?

Aseptic techniques are used to prevent contamination of cultures by other microorganisms.

List one aseptic technique mentioned in the notes.

Sterilising Petri dishes and culture media.

Why should the lid of the Petri dish be secured with tape and stored upside down?

To prevent contamination and moisture from the air.

What is the maximum incubation temperature for bacterial cultures mentioned?

25°C.

What should you wear during the preparation of an uncontaminated culture?

A lab coat and gloves.

What is the first step in preparing an uncontaminated culture?

Take a sterilised Petri dish or conical flask containing culture media.

What should be done with the inoculation loop after it has been used?

It should be passed through a flame again to sterilise it.

What must be done with the inoculation loop before spreading the bacterial sample?

It must be passed through a Bunsen flame to sterilise it.

What does it mean to 'secure the lid' of the Petri dish?

To tape it shut to avoid contamination.

What is the purpose of using an inoculation loop?

To transfer the bacterial sample to the culture media.