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Homework answers / question archive /     Lab 5: UBIQUITOUS MICROORGANISMS You will download this document (“File” → “Download as”) and then save it on your computer

    Lab 5: UBIQUITOUS MICROORGANISMS You will download this document (“File” → “Download as”) and then save it on your computer

Biology

 

 

Lab 5: UBIQUITOUS MICROORGANISMS

You will download this document (“File” → “Download as”) and then save it on your computer. Working on your own, answer the questions below, beneath each question, typing your answer in a different font and/or color from what I have used for this document. After you have completed your assignment, make sure your document is saved as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF with the file extensions .doc, .docx, or .pdf and then submit it through the indicated link in Canvas.

 

Always answer in your own words. If you must use an outside source (which you will for a few of the questions) make sure it is scholarly. No credit will be given for answers without a scholarly source. If you are copying something word-for-word, remember to use quotation marks.

 

 
   

 

 

Microbes are Everywhere:

 

Using the agar plates you made last week, you will be sampling various locations. You will need a total of 5 plates as well as cotton swabs for this week’s lab.

 

Here is an example of what you might expect to see grow on an agar plate:

 

We use several terms to describe colony morphology:

 

 

Exercise 1: Microbiology of the Air

You might not realize, but the air is filled with microorganisms. In this exercise, you will collect and study some of these airborne organisms.

  • Give specific examples of microorganisms commonly found in the air (don’t forget your scholarly source):

 

Procedure

  1. Label your plate for this exercise, “air.”
  2. Expose your plate to the air in your sample location for approximately 30 minutes.
  3. Describe where your air sample was taken from:
  4. Compared to the other locations you plan to sample, what do you expect to see on this plate? Why? This question needs to be answered before you see your results.
  5. Replace the lid, and place in an undisturbed place (warm if possible, but not hot) for 48hrs.
  6. Insert a picture of your plate and describe what you see using the colony morphology terms below:

 

 

 

 

  1. Were these results what you expected? Why or why not?

 

 

 

 

Exercise 2: Microbiology of Surfaces

In this exercise, you will collect and study microorganisms found on surfaces.

  • Give specific examples of microorganisms commonly found on surfaces (don’t forget your scholarly source):

 

Procedure

  1. Label your plate for this exercise, “surface.”
  2. Collect your sample using a cotton swab and rubbing it thoroughly over the surface.
  3. Describe where your sample was taken from:
  4. Compared to the other locations you plan to sample, what do you expect to see on this plate? Why? This question needs to be answered before you see your results.
  5. Replace the lid, and place in an undisturbed place (warm if possible, but not hot) for 48hrs.
  6. Insert a picture of your plate and describe what you see using the colony morphology terms below:

 

 

 

 

  1. Were these results what you expected? Why or why not?

 

 

Exercise 3: Microbiology of the Human Body

In this exercise, you will collect and study microorganisms found on the human body.

  • Give specific examples of common beneficial human bacteria (don’t forget your scholarly source):

Procedure

  1. Label your plate for this exercise, “body.” Choose one of the following locations: inside of the cheek, inside of the ear, palm of the hand, under fingernail, cough on the plate, or place a hair on the plate.
  2. Collect your sample using a cotton swab and rubbing it thoroughly over the surface (where applicable).
  3. Describe where your sample was taken from:
  4. Compared to the other locations you plan to sample, what do you expect to see on this plate? Why? This question needs to be answered before you see your results.
  5. Replace the lid, and place in an undisturbed place (warm if possible, but not hot) for 48hrs.
  6. Insert a picture of your plate and describe what you see using the colony morphology terms below:

 

 

 

 

  1. Were these results what you expected? Why or why not?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise 4: Microbiology of Soil

For this procedure, you will collect and study microorganisms found in soil.

  • Give specific examples of microorganisms commonly found in the soil (don’t forget your scholarly source):

 

Procedure

  1. Label your plate for this exercise, “soil.”
  2. Collect a pea-sized soil sample and mix it with approximately 1tbsp of water. Mix to obtain a uniform suspension.
  3. Dip a swab into your suspensions and rub it thoroughly over the surface.
  4. Describe where your sample was taken from:
  5. Compared to the other locations you plan to sample, what do you expect to see on this plate? Why? This question needs to be answered before you see your results.
  6. Replace the lid, and place in an undisturbed place (warm if possible, but not hot) for 48hrs.
  7. Insert a picture of your plate and describe what you see using the colony morphology terms below:

 

 

 

 

  1. Were these results what you expected? Why or why not?

 

 

Exercise 5: Microbiology of Water

For this procedure, you will attempt to isolate microorganisms from the water.

  • Give specific examples of microorganisms commonly found in water (don’t forget your scholarly source):

 

Procedure

  1. Label your plate for this exercise, “water.”
  2. Collect your sample using a cotton swab and rubbing it thoroughly over the surface.
  3. Describe where your sample was taken from:

 

  1. Compared to the other locations you plan to sample, what do you expect to see on this plate? Why? This question needs to be answered before you see your results.
  2. Replace the lid, and place in an undisturbed place (warm if possible, but not hot) for 48hrs.
  3. Insert a picture of your plate and describe what you see using the colony morphology terms below:
  4. Were these results what you expected? Why or why not?

 

 

Review your results and answer the questions below:

  1. What was the “dirtiest” area you sampled?

 

  1. What was the “cleanest” area you sampled?

 

  1. What result did you find most surprising and why?

 

Review Questions:

  1. Where do you find microorganisms?

 

  1. Are the majority of microorganisms pathogenic? Defend your answer here.

 

  1. Does the growth on your plates from this lab tell you anything about the number of pathogens? Explain your answer.

 

  1. Relate the information in this lab to nosocomial infections.

 

  1. Describe an example of a beneficial microorganism.

 

-Prepare a 10% bleach solution. Cover the surface of your plates with your 10% bleach solution and let stand for 20 minutes. Pour down the sink with water and dispose of agar in the trash. Save and submit this assignment in Canvas.

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