Ubiquity and Cultural Characteristics of Microorganisms

Merebeth Ann V. Pedroso School of ChE-Chm-BE-MSE, Mapua Institute of Technology, Intramuros, Manila ABSTRACT Microorganisms can be found everywhere. Although small, microorganisms have the biggest number of species. This experiment was conducted to show the ubiquity of microorganisms and study the different characteristics of different colonies. It also demonstrates the importance of aseptic techniques. The sample was from a probiotic drink (Yakult). In conducting this experiment, samples were acquired from different places, then it was cultured for about a day and they were characterized. After this, they were sub-cultured and was stored in the incubator for about a week and was characterized again. The growth of the sample on the agar was relatively abundant as well as the growth abundance in the broth. Aseptic techniques must be observed in order to have a successful sub-culturing process. Introduction Microorganisms can be found everywhere. Although small, microorganisms have the biggest number of species and as estimated by the biologists at University of Georgia they are about 5x10 30. My sample came from a probiotic drink (Yakult). This experiment was conducted to show the ubiquity of microorganisms and study the different characteristics of different colonies. It also demonstrates the importance of aseptic techniques. Methodology 1. Acquiring Samples With a sterilized cotton swab, students were asked to get samples of microorganisms from different places and streak the swab onto the agar surface. 2. Culturing The inverted plates were placed inside the incubator (37 o) to conduct the proper conditions of their growth. 3. Characterization 1 Different colonies that grow on the agar surface were compared with each other and the colonies of each of the colonies were also used to establish the major differences with other colonies. 4. Sub-culturing After the colonies were observed, we are to choose one colony that we will be taking care of for the whole term. Aseptic techniques were observed during the process. The inoculating loop was passed through the flame until it became red hot. While waiting for the loop to cool down, the rim of the petri-dish was also passed through the flame for three times. The selected colony was lightly touched by the inoculating loop. For sterilization purposes, the rim of the petri-dish was passed onto the fire again. Then the nutrient agar (NA) slant was unplugged and the mouth was passed onto the flame. We took a careful note not to touch the cotton plug or the inoculating loop with anything so as to prevent contamination. The loop was then streaked with a zigzag pattern on the NA surface. The loop and the mouth of NA tube was passed onto the flame before it was replugged. The same procedures were observed in sub-culturing the colony on the nutrient broth (NB) tube but the loop was twirled instead of streaked. The NA slant and the NB tube was stored inside the incubator for about a week. 4. Characterization 11 The abundance of growth on the NA slant and NB tube was observed and recorded. characterization. The growth of the colonies on the NA slant was relatively abundant, and like the original sample, it is also circular in form and is also iridescent. The appearance of growth of the colonies in the NB tube was described to be cloudy. Discusssion From the experiment conducted, it can be inferred that microorganisms are ubiquitous. The classs get samples from different samples and different things. But were limited to get samples from the probable breeding places of highly pathogenic bacteria because of the future infections and diseases they may cause (i.e. toilet seats). Almost all of the class have a positive abundance of growth on their agar surface. A few didn't arrived at any culture because they get samples from places that are not conducive for bacterial growth. Characterization of different colonies of bacteria were also observed. These characteristics are a punctiform's (a tiny bacterial colony) size, its form, its pigmentation, its marginal description, its elevation and its optical characteristics when light passes through it. These qualitative descriptions helps us differentiate a specie of a bacteria from one another. It is also helpful when sub-culturing. When a sub-culturing medium produced different characteristics from the original sample, then it can be inferred that the sub-culturing process is not successful because of contamination. In the experiment conducted, the subculturing process was a success because the original sample was the same as the sub-cultured colonies. Sub-culturing is done so that the bacteria have a new source of nutrition as time passes by and their excreted waste will not deter their growth. In order to have a successful sub-culturing process, aseptic techniques was observed. The inoculating loop must be flamed before and after oculation to sterilize the loop and prevent it from contamination. Also take a careful note to let the loop to cool down for 30-45 seconds because when it touches the agar, it will sizzle and probably kill the colony it comes to contact with. It is also essential to flame the mouth of test tube or the rim of petri-dishes to sterilize the air surrounding it Also it is done to prevent contamination of other microbes. Clean hands and working areas is also a must during the sub-culturing process. Inoculating needle is not recommended in sub-culturing because it may destroy the agar to be used. From the experiment conducted, the following conclusions was formulated: 1. Microorganisms are ubiquitous. 2. Characterization is important in determining microorganisms from one another. 3. Aseptic techniques must be observed in order to have a successful sub-culturing process

Results References More than 90% of the class had success in culturing their samples. Starr Taggart, Ever Starr (2009), Biology (The Unity and Diversity of The sample was extracted from a probiotic drink (Yakult) which was Life) 12th ed.,10 Davis Drive Belmont, CA 94002 USA said to have live Lactobacilluscasei-Shirota strain bacteria. The colonies formed have an average of 2mm, has a circular form, a yellowish white pigmentation and the margin was characterized to be entire. It has a flat elevation ant it is iridescent when described in terms of optical