Module 2 Chapter 3 Slides 1-23

One of the first practices used during General Laboratory Techniques, microbiologists begin by sampling the object of their interest. Common sources include bodily fluids, foods, water, soil, and animals.

• Specimen Collection

• Inoculation

• Incubation

• Isolation

The sample being studied is placed into a container of medium that will support its growth. The medium may be solid or liquid and held in tubes, plates flasks, or even eggs. Delivery tool can include a loop, needle, swab, or syringe.

• Inoculation

• Isolation

• Incubation

• Inspection

Inoculated media are placed into a controlled environment to promote growth.

• Inoculation

• Incubation

• Isolation

• Inspection

Some inoculation techniques can separate microbes to create colonies containing a single type of microbe. This allows for the identifying of the exact species of microbes in the sample and paves the way for making pure cultures.

• Isolation

• Inoculation

• Inspection

• Identification

Cultures are observed for the macroscopic appearance of growth characteristics. Cultures are examined under the microscope for basic detail such as cell type and shape.

• Inspection

• Inoculation

• Identification

• Information Gathering

Additional tests for microbial function and characteristics. This may include inoculations into specialized media that determine biochemical traits, immunological testing, and genetic typing.

• Information Gathering

• Incubation

• Isolation

• Inspection

To attach a name or identity to the microbe using the information gathered by inspection and investigation. It is accomplished by using keys, charts, and computer programs to analyze the data and arrive at a conclusion.

• Identification

• Inspection

• Investigation

• Information

Key characteristics of a reliable microscope are: the ability to enlarge objects

Key characteristics of a reliable microscope are: the ability to show detail

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

In most microscopes, this results from an interaction between visible light waves and the curvature of the lens.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-5