An unknown lab report in microbiology typically involves identifying an unknown bacterial strain through a series of tests and observations. This process can be organized into a flowchart to help students understand and follow the steps involved.
The first step in identifying an unknown bacterial strain is to obtain a pure culture of the bacteria. This can be done by streaking a sample onto a petri dish and allowing it to grow until individual colonies are visible. It is important to ensure that the culture is pure, as this will make it easier to accurately identify the bacteria later on.
Once the pure culture has been obtained, the next step is to perform a series of physical and chemical tests on the bacteria to gather information about its characteristics. These tests may include observing the shape and size of the bacteria, determining its optimal temperature and pH range, and testing for the presence of certain enzymes or metabolic pathways.
Based on the results of these tests, the bacteria can be narrowed down to a particular group or family. For example, if the bacteria are gram-negative and rod-shaped, it is likely that they belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae.
At this point, it may be necessary to perform additional tests to further narrow down the identification. For example, the bacteria may be tested for the presence of specific enzymes or metabolic pathways that are characteristic of certain species within the family.
Once all of the necessary tests have been completed, the results should be compiled and used to identify the unknown bacterial strain as accurately as possible. This may involve consulting reference materials or consulting with a microbiologist to confirm the identification.
Overall, the process of identifying an unknown bacterial strain in a microbiology lab report involves a series of tests and observations that are organized and analyzed in a logical manner. By following a flowchart and gathering as much information as possible about the bacteria's characteristics, it is possible to accurately identify the unknown strain and understand its behavior and potential implications.
Lab Report for Microbiology
This experiment was done by applying methods in order to identify an unknown bacterium. Based on those results, I concluded that my Gram-positive isolate was catalase positive, and was therefore either Staphylococcus or Micrococcus. From the resulting heterogeneous The cell morphology, as can be seen in Figure 2, is clustered cocci. The MSA test which is primarily used on gram positive bacteria, provided a negative result for P. This means that peptone was deaminated, which left alkaline end products no gas end products.
Bacillus cereus
Results Test Gram Stain Purpose To determine the Gram reaction of the organism and identify the morphology Oxidase Test To determine the presence of cytochrome c Methyl Red Test To determine if the organism ferments glucose through mixed acid fermentation VogesTo determine if Proskauer Test the organism performs 2,3butanediol fermentation MacConkey Test To determine if the organism ferments lactose into acid end products Reagents Crystal Violet, Iodine, Alcohol, Safranin Observations Pink Rods Oxidase Reagent No color change Methyl Red reagent No color change Reagent a and Ethanol Reagent b Potassium Hydroxide and Water Lactose, Bile Salts, Crystal Violet, Neutral Red No color change Pink growth on media Result Gram Negative, bacteria Oxidase test negative no cytochrome c Negative Methyl Red test no mixed acid fermentation Negative VogesProskauer test no acetoin production through 2,3butanediol fermentation Positive MacConkey Test Lactose fermentation Discussion After performing all of my test, the results from each test was gathered and interpreted. Unknown C was determined to be a Gram- negative rod. The problematic issues from 123 was that the Gram positive would not grow and with the due date fastly approaching, the instructor supplied tube alternate 8. The oral cavity is well suited for bacterial growth, as it provides host bacteria with a regular source of nutrients and water, all while maintaining a moderate temperature. Is bacterium can live in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. After the Gram reaction was determined on Bacteria 1 and Bacteria 2, different biochemical tests were done according to the dichotomous keys provided in the lab manual. Three new NA plates were from the original mixed cultures were done in the same fashion of pulling through all lines.
