Bacteria Basics
These organisms are microscopic, are self sufficient and made of a single cell.
Bacteria
A visible group of bacterial cells growing together on agar
bacterial colony
This type of microorganism is introduced accidentally into an investigation.
unwanted microorganisms
This descriptor refers to the basic form of a colony.
Shape
The abbreviation CFU stands for this.
Colony Forming Unit
Bacteria can be either beneficial or ...
Harmful
Most colonies grow on this nutrient medium
agar
This laboratory technique helps prevent contamination
aseptic technique
This descriptor describes the edge of a colony.
Margin
Each distinct colony counted is considered one of these.
colony forming unit (CFU)
Name one place where bacteria can be found.
soil, water, air, or inside living organisms
Colonies form when bacteria do this repeatedly
reproduction/multiplication/division
Contamination can make experimental results become this
unreliable
This descriptor describes the transparency of a colony.
Opacity
A plate should be placed on this type of surface when counting colonies.
well-lit surface
Bacteria belong to this level of organisation (in the body).
cell (single-celled organism)
Colonies are made of millions of genetically ______ cells
Name three methods for preventing contamination
Wear a mask
Wear a lab coat
Sterilise instruments
Only lift the lid of the agar plate slightly
Don't touch the sampling end of the swab
The side-view appearance of a colony is called this.
Elevation
This tool can be used to ensure colonies are not counted twice.
colony counter or marker
Explain one beneficial role bacteria can have.
decomposition, digestion, nutrient cycling, food production
Colonies often start from _____ bacterium
one
Give one reason why contamination is a major problem in microbiological investigations.
Which characteristic would be describe whether a colony is rough, wrinkled or smooth?
surface
A plate contains 33 visible colonies. How many CFU are recorded?
33 CFU