aseptic technique

• What does aseptic technique allow in a lab setting?

  Growth of selected bacteria without contamination
• Why should the work area be cleaned with disinfectant?

  To kill unwanted bacteria and reduce contamination
• What must be sterilized before preparing agar plates?

  Glass petri dishes and agar gel
• How can glass petri dishes be sterilized?

  Using an autoclave or pre-sterilized dishes
• What does agar provide for the selected bacterium?

  All the nutrients needed for growth
• Why should plating bacteria be done beside a Bunsen flame?

  To create an updraft preventing contamination
• What should be done to the bacterial suspension before plating?

  Swirl it to ensure it's well mixed
• How can the inoculating loop be sterilized?

  By heating in the Bunsen flame or using alcohol
• What should be done to the mouth of the bacterial bottle before use?

  Pass it through the Bunsen flame
• What is the purpose of making streaks on the agar plate?

  To inoculate the agar with microorganisms
• How can a lawn of bacteria be produced on the agar plate?

  By using a sterile spreader to evenly spread
• What should be done after inoculating the agar plate?

  Replace the lid quickly and secure with tape
• Why should the petri dish be stored upside down?

  To prevent water from collecting on bacteria
• Why should the lid not be fully sealed?

  To allow oxygen to reach the bacteria
• What is the maximum incubation temperature in schools?

  25°C to reduce harmful pathogen growth
• Why do hospital labs incubate plates at 37°C?

  To allow quick growth and identification