IntroductionMicrobiology can be defined as the study of microorganisms, namely bacteria. Bacteria can manifest any known location on earth. In order to further the study of microbiology and combat the problem of fast growth of bacteria, students need to familiarise themselves with aseptic techniques. Aseptic techniques is a method used to prevent microorganisms from growing in an area.Aseptic techniques play an important role in the field of microbiology. By using aseptic techniques, contamination can be prevented and accurate results will be achieved. Microbiologists use aseptic techniques for different procedures such as transferring cultures, inoculating media and isolation of pure cultures. Aseptic techniques affect the results we achieve in any given practical.

Methods and MaterialsRefer to Bacteriology (Micr213) Practical Manual. Practical 1(Page 9-18)The pour plate technique was not carried out.

Results

Broth culture inoculation (E.coli) Bacteria sediment at the bottom of the test tube. When the test tube was shaken, the broth culture became turbid.Agar deep inoculation (Micrococcus luteus) Growth along the line of inoculation with a mucoid growth above the agar in the test tube.Agar slant inoculation (E.coli) Bacteria was white in colour and showed a beaded spreading growth pattern with a watery mucoid growth.

Figure 1: Drawing showing the distribution of colonies on the streak plate

DiscussionE.coli showed growth at the bottom of the broth culture test tube, in the presence of an oxygen deficit. The movement of test tube created turbidity in the broth culture which shows that the bacteria is motile.The agar deep inoculation of M.luteus showed growth along the line of inoculation which means the bacteria is not motile. The agar slant inoculation of E.coli showed a spreading growth pattern which shows that bacteria is motile. Growth was shown where the oxygen concentration was the highest. The results show that M.luteus is a non-motile bacteria. The mucoid growth on the top of the agar shows that M.luteus is an obligate aerobe since most growth is shown where the oxygen concentration is the highest. The results show that E.coli is a facultative aerobe, since inoculations showed growth in both high and low concentrations of oxygen. E.coli is a motile bacteria, shown by the spreading growth pattern.

Air contamination is prevented by sterilizing the inoculation loop over the Bunsen burner. The back and forth inoculation technique is avoided; the streak is carried out with a medium slant in a straight line so that the growth pattern of the bacteria can be determined.By gaining knowledge of the characteristics and morphology of different types of bacteria, It will be easier to identify in future microbiology practicals.

Conclusion

The aim of learning aseptic techniques, carrying out inoculations and identifying microbial growth patterns has been satisfied. Aseptic techniques ensure that no contaminants enter the culture, ensures that the bacteria does not come into contact with the user and also ensures that the bacteria does not spread to the outside environment. Inoculating loops and needles are important tools that prevent direct contact with bacteria and prevent students from handling and transferring bacteria by hand. Obtaining pure cultures, cultures of a single strain, enable viewers to distinguish distinct characteristics and differences between bacteria. Bacteria is something that we cant live with, but also cant live without. Therefore it is important for people to understand why it is beneficial to us, and even more important to understand how harmful it can be. With these results we have a deeper understanding of ubiquitous bacteria, their morphology and factors that favour their growth.

References

Bacteriology(Micr213) Practical Manual 2015http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facultative_anaerobic_organismhttp://amrita.vlab.co.in/?sub=3&brch=73&sim=212&cnt=1http://www.scienceprofonline.com/microbiology/bacterial-colony-morphology-identification-unknown-bacteria.htmlWilly, Sherwood and Woolverton. Prescotts Microbiology. 9th edition.

Aseptic Techniques/Transfer and Isolation of Microorganisms