Virtual unknown microbiology labs are a common way for students to learn about the identification of microorganisms. In these labs, students are given a sample of an unknown microorganism and are tasked with identifying it through a series of tests and observations. These labs can be conducted in a physical laboratory setting or through a virtual platform, which allows for flexibility and convenience for students.
There are several steps that students can follow to identify their unknown microorganism in a virtual unknown microbiology lab. The first step is to determine the physical characteristics of the microorganism, such as its shape, size, and arrangement. This can be done through the use of a microscope, which allows students to observe the microorganism at a higher magnification.
The next step is to perform biochemical tests to identify the metabolic capabilities of the microorganism. These tests can include determining the ability of the microorganism to ferment sugars, produce certain enzymes, or utilize specific nutrients. By performing a series of these tests, students can narrow down the possible identities of their unknown microorganism.
Another important step in the identification process is to consider the environmental conditions that the microorganism was isolated from. For example, some microorganisms are found in soil, while others are found in water or in the human body. By considering the environmental context, students can further narrow down the possible identities of their unknown microorganism.
Ultimately, the goal of a virtual unknown microbiology lab is for students to learn about the identification of microorganisms and to gain an understanding of the diversity of microbial life. By following these steps and using the resources available to them, students can successfully identify their unknown microorganism and gain a deeper understanding of microbiology.
Final Lab report of BIO 265 Unknown microbe experiment
The combination of SXT sensitivity increases the accuracy of the results. However, it was apparent that I had successfully isolated two different bacterial species by examining my MAC and CNA plates. See probable results table 2 below. A disadvantage of this methodology is that it is costly and can be slow, since it usually involves sending the samples to a third-party biotechnology company that will perform the sequencing and analysis Janda, Abbott 2007. Citrate Streak surface only.
This highlights how important virtual labs are in training and to practicing procedures that minimize plastic waste! The colors can seem very arbitrary without being able to see the chemical mechanics at work. Group A, beta-hemolytic streptococci are more sensitive to bacitracin than other beta-hemolytic streptococci. Mac Streak for isolation. Endospores are formed by a few genera of bacteria, such as Bacillus. With this, it was possible to eliminate all Bacillus, Enterococcus, Aerococcus, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species as it can be observed in Figure 2. The endospore stain is a differential stain used to visualize bacterial endospores. They are also important pathogens.
The tests included: Triple sugar iron agar TSAI , the Sulfide Indole Mobility SIM test, Glucose fermentation, the Methyl Red test, the Voges-Proskauer test, Citrate test, the Urease Test, and finally the Gelatin test. I also performed a cytochrome oxidase test on both organisms; again, organism A was oxidase positive while organism B was oxidase negative. The importance of indicator in the Phenol red carbohydrate fermentation broth: Yellow in acidic conditions 3. VIRTUAL UNKNOWN MICROBE LAB WORKSHEET To complete this exercise, you will copy the information you saved in your Virtual Lab Notebook into this Worksheet that should be downloaded to your computer, saved, filled-in and then uploaded for grading in Canvas. Flame inoculation needle well until visibly red to sterilize.
Bacteria use an enzyme, tryptophanase to break down the amino acid, tryptophan, which makes by-products, including indole. Perform a Gram stain. Evenly place one of each disk on the swabbed agar surface. Fermentation will result in ----------------: All the above 5. Presence of clot indicates S. PROCEDURE FOR MOTILITY STAB TESTYou will prepare 2 separate samples 1 using S. After receiving an unknown broth labeled 9, multiple tests were conducted to determine the microorganism inside of the broth.
In the acidic pH the phenol red changes its color from: Red to yellow 7. Organisms which produce catalase will bubble when placed into hydrogen peroxide. Print out your lab reports and attach them to this exercise before submitting to your instructor. The indicator is included to make reading the test results easier. Coagulase Test Intended Use Differentiates Staphylococcus aureus from other Staphylococcus species. Clostridium perfringens , C.
Our favorite thing Often in class, taught topics can feel very removed from reality. This simulation strikes a functional balance between visualizing underlying detail and encouraging critical thought. Of the four, we will only assess whether the bacterium can produce H 2 S, a positive reaction will be distinguished by the formation of a black precipitate in the lower portion of the slant. They are guided by a mission to provide engaging UX, an intuitive user journey, and high scientific quality in every simulation. Biochemical Test Growth on Bile: Esculin Hydrolysis: 4.
To confirm the identity of sample A, the BEA, nitrate and MR tests were performed. A positive reaction would require the accumulation of ammonia which will change the media to red, a negative reaction would stay yellow. Another great reason is in the food industry, it is important to identify unknown bacteria, as they are the cause of our food spoiling. Using sterile forceps or a swab, lightly but firmly press the disks to the agar surface to adhere them. Urea Heavily inoculate a tube of urea broth.
Next, a 4-way quadrant streak on a nutrient plate, a MacConkey plate, and a Columbia CNA plate was performed. Test Brief Instructions Probable Results TSA General Maintenance Media for Staphs Determine macromorphology Gram Stain To confirm culture purity Staphs are Gram positive McFarland Standard Dilute your organism in a tube of sterile water to obtain a turbidity equivalent to a 0. I went through a wet lab in school, and starting off with gram+ or gram- narrows down the field alot. A part of Carbohydrate fermentation. You may want to review your oxidation-reduction reactions a. The text is bolded to highlight the keywords in the more information-dense sections, which is how this simulation addresses the complexity of the topic while still supporting the student through it.
Endosporesare protective structures that are used to withstand unfavorable conditions. Stab into the agar surface at the last part of your streak. I also grew the organism on MacConkey agar. The fermentation of dextrose glucose results in the production of acid. Why virtual labs for microbiology? At the start, the student produces a hypothesis based on data they have interpreted, then they learn the theory behind immunology and test their hypothesis by running an immunoassay ELISA at the end. Beta hemolytic species produce a hemolysin that forms a clear zone around the colony, indicating complete lysis of red blood cells. Both plates are observed the next day to look out for visually different isolated colonies since they are mixed bacterial cultures , these are then streaked using a loop onto a new set of Trypticase-Soy agar TSA plates and incubated as last time.
There has been total lysis of the red blood cells. Stab into the agar surface at the last part of your streak. After the initial setup is done, if the isolation was successful each TSA plate should have a single bacterium species no mixed cultures , which can then be characterized using the Gram stain procedure. By observing the responses to these tests performed in a particular sequence, some can be eliminated as possibilities and others require further investigation. See probable results table below. After the incubation of the culture, the phenol red broth remains unchanged.
