Aseptic Technique and Broth Culture Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the aseptic technique laboratory simulation lecture notes.

Aseptic technique

Working with microorganisms with the goal of preventing contamination of yourself and the microbial cultures you are using.

Contaminating organisms

Microbes that may come from the environment, your hands, or tools used during the laboratory process.

Pure cultures

Cultures that only contain one type of microorganism, necessary when trying to identify a particular microorganism.

Culture media

Substances with a specific composition to help grow microbes in a controlled manner by providing necessary nutrients to grow and reproduce.

Inoculating loops

Tools used to transfer an inoculum between tubes of broth or onto the surface of an agar slant or plate.

Inoculating needles

Tools used along with loops to transfer microbial cultures from one medium to another.

Broth

A liquid nutrient medium used to support the growth of microbes with the advantage of supporting rapid and large bacterial population growth.

Inoculum

The microbial material being transferred from one medium to another.

Negative control

A sterile broth tube that does not have bacteria added to ensure that the aseptic process itself does not cause growth of bacteria.

Bunsen burner

A tool used to heat inoculating tools to red hot and flame the mouth of glass culture tubes to reduce contamination.

Microincinerator

An alternative to a Bunsen burner used to sterilize inoculating tools by heating them to red hot.