BIOS 242 Week 3 Lobster OL Bacterial Isolation

Student Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-242 Fundamentals of Microbiology

Prof. Name:

Date

Learning Objectives

The main learning objectives of this lab include gaining an understanding of the significance of bacterial growth in the study of pathological microorganisms. Participants will also learn how to apply aseptic techniques to maintain sterile laboratory conditions effectively. Furthermore, the lab aims to help learners define the concept of a single bacterial colony, practice the plate streaking technique for bacterial isolation, and utilize selective media to aid in isolating specific bacterial strains.

Introduction

Welcome to the Bacterial Isolation virtual simulation lab. The primary focus of this lab is to examine the contamination of poultry meat by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The goal is to collect samples of this dangerous bacterial strain from different species. The simulation emphasizes practicing sterile techniques, especially the plate streaking method, to ensure proper isolation of bacteria. Throughout the lab, learners will engage in isolating ampicillin-resistant bacteria, enabling further study of these strains and their impact on public health.

Identifying Ampicillin-Resistant Bacteria

In this lab, you will identify bacterial strains resistant to ampicillin, commonly found in poultry meat. The primary task involves collecting samples that contain multiple bacterial strains and isolating the ampicillin-resistant ones by obtaining individual colonies. This process allows for the further analysis of these specific strains and their resistance mechanisms, which are critical in understanding antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens.

Aseptic Technique

Aseptic techniques are fundamental in microbiology to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination. In this simulation, learners will practice these techniques throughout the experiment. This includes turning on a Bunsen burner and sterilizing the inoculating loop between streaks. By doing so, participants will be able to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring that only the desired bacterial strain is cultured and isolated.

Plate Streaking Technique

One of the critical aspects of this lab is mastering the plate streaking technique used for bacterial isolation. The simulation offers unlimited agar plates to practice this technique repeatedly, with immediate results provided. This contrasts with real-life scenarios, where incubation could take up to 24 hours. Moreover, learners will streak a specialized Salmonella Shigella agar, promoting the growth of Gram-negative bacteria. Each bacterial strain will show a unique phenotype on this medium, assisting in the identification of ampicillin-resistant bacteria.

BIOS 242 Week 3 Lobster OL Bacterial Isolation

Questions

Question	Answer
1. What is the purpose of this experiment?	The purpose of this experiment is to gain practical experience in culturing and isolating bacteria. By using the plate streaking technique, different bacterial strains are separated and tested, which helps in understanding the significance of bacterial isolation in microbiological research.
2. Why is proper aseptic technique important in microbiology?	Proper aseptic technique is essential in microbiology to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of the experiment. It ensures that unwanted microorganisms do not interfere with the cultured bacteria, resulting in reliable and accurate results.
3. Why is flaming the inoculating loop or needle before and after each injection important?	Flaming the inoculating loop or needle sterilizes the instrument, eliminating any bacteria present. This step also prevents cross-contamination between samples, ensuring that each bacterial culture remains pure. It is important to wait for the loop to cool after sterilization to avoid damaging the bacterial culture.
4. Why is it essential to flame the neck of the tubes immediately after uncapping and before recapping?	Flaming the neck of the tubes is crucial for maintaining sterility. This practice prevents environmental bacteria from contaminating the sample and ensures that the culture remains uncontaminated throughout the experiment. The flame creates a sterile barrier, protecting the bacterial sample from external contamination.

Reflection

This simulation provided valuable insights into the risks associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly in poultry. It highlighted the importance of proper food handling and cooking to reduce the risk of infections caused by these bacteria. Additionally, I gained hands-on experience with bacterial isolation and the plate streaking technique, enhancing my understanding of microbiological practices. The opportunity to repeat the experiment allowed me to refine my technique, especially after making mistakes. However, I found the occasional freezing of the simulation frustrating, as it disrupted the workflow and extended the time needed to complete the task.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).