GCSE biology unit 1 - growing microbes

Growing Microbes

Also referred to as "culturing" microbes. We grow microbes to investigate what medicines can kill it. we do this under ASEPTIC CONDITIONS (make sure nothing gets contaminated that might effect the results)

STEP 1: sterilise the agar jelly inside the Petri dish
STEP 2: transfer microbes to the agar jelly using a inoculating hoop and place in neat, straight lines. The inoculating hoop should be heated first to kill any bacteria then left to cool before transferring the microbes.
STEP 3: quickly place lid on Petri dish and seal the container with tape to prevent any further contamination.
STEP 4: incubate at 25 degrees if in a school or 37 degrees if in a safe lab with scientists incase a pathogen is grown at the higher temperatures.

testing for disinfectants or antibiotics

use the microbes grown and place different sorts of disinfectants or antibiotics on the patch of microbes. once the microbes die, the agar jelly turns clear so the most effective disinfectant of antibiotic will have the largest clear area.