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We make science education easier for teachers and more interesting for students

 

In this issue, we look at the topic of microbiology ……………..

 

 

May  2008     Part 1

 

 

 

 

 

- growth media

- microorganisms

- sterilizers and incubators

For more information on other microbiology topics, watch for Part 2 of the May newsletter, coming soon.

 

 

Also,

- contact your association

- resources

- specials

- did you know?

 

 

Growth Media                                                                                                                                                   top of page

 

 

Microorganisms are cultured using specially formulated media designed to optimize their growth.  Broths are liquid media which become turbid (cloudy) as microorganisms grow.  Solid growth media are obtained by mixing a gelling agent (usually agar powder) into the liquid media.

Although there are many types of culture media, the most suitable for school experiments are:

Nutrient Broth No. 2 and Nutrient Agar for experiments involving bacteria

and

Malt Extract Agar or Potato Dextrose Agar for experiments involving fungi, yeasts and moulds.

Solid growth media are available in different forms that offer a choice between cost and ease of preparation:

 

-  powdered media that needs to be mixed, sterilized and poured is the lowest cost option, but requires the most time and work.

-  sterile “melt and pour” media offer a good compromise between convenience and cost.

-  pre-poured agar plates are ready to use on arrival, but are more expensive than the other options.

Powdered media should be stored in sealed containers in dark dry conditions.  Broths and plates should be stored under refrigeration.  Ensure agar plates are never frozen as this will denature them and render them useless.

Click here to see the full list of media available from Southern Biological.

 

 

Microorganisms                                                                                                                                                top of page

 

 

Many student activities in microbiology require the use of pure cultures of known organisms.  Click here to see the range of organisms we can supply.  Note, it is recommended that school experiments use Risk Group 1 organisms only.  Members of this group are considered to be unlikely to cause human, plant or animal disease.  Nevertheless, it is prudent to treat all microorganisms with suitable precautions.  For information on the five Risk Groups, see Australian Standard AS2243.3.

You can inoculate a plate by streaking with a loop, or you can grow a lawn by swabbing.

 

 

Sterilizers and Incubators                                                                                                                              top of page

 

 

Sterilizers and incubators are major purchase items, but once you have them in place, they will last for years.  It is generally a good idea to get the largest that will suit your budget and available space.  This reduces the number of batches that have to be processed and will save lots of time in the long run.  Click here to review the sterilizers and incubators supplied by Southern Biological.

 

 

Get in touch with your association                                                                                                              top of page

 

 

 

 

ASTA

 

STATAS

 

STAV

SASTA

 

STANSW

STA – NT

 

SEA – ACT

STAWA

 

STAQ

 

 

 

 

Resources                                                                                                                                                         top of page

 

 

Natural Resources Defence Council – this is a great source of information on environmental issues.  You’ll find topics including global warming, oil and energy, wildlife, air, oceans and water.

 

Amazing Space – more than an astronomy website, you’ll find lots of good information on light and radiation.

 

Hearing – a collection of simple activities to get students thinking about hearing.

 

ASISTM Investigations – if you are looking for supplementary resources for your forensic topics or synchrotron science, try these investigations developed by the Centre for Learning Technology at the University of WA as part of an ASISTM Project.

 

 

Specials                                                                                                                                                             top of page

 

 

Roman’s Notes On DNA is the ideal student guide to accompany studies of molecular biology.  It presents explanations, summaries and memory tips to help students come up to speed on everything to do with DNA.  It concludes with an extensive glossary that covers over 280 DNA-related terms.  To clear a stock excess, we are now offering this title at $15.00+GST.  The regular price is $29.00+GST, so grab a copy for your library now!

 

Click here to view the full specials list.

 

 

Did you know?                                                                                                                                                  top of page

 

 

Microbes are being studied in the hope that they can offer solutions to the need for alternative energy sources.  Electricigens are microorganisms that are able to participate in redox reactions with their environment.  The reactions transfer electrons in ways that can be harnessed in a conventional electrical circuit.  Although the currents produced this way are low, the efficiency is high.  Research is underway to develop bacterial fuel cells that will run on simple organic materials rather than hydrogen and oxygen, which can be more difficult to handle.

 

Download the article for more details (pdf, 2.5M, new window).

 

Visit the home of “Microbe” magazine for more information and articles on microbiology.

 

 

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