...Introduction: The microbiology of food and the environment are two very important fields in the large scope of microbiological research. Because microorganisms exist almost everywhere, it is important to determine the influences that they place on the food we depend on for survival, and the environment in which we humans call home. In this lab, we conducted five experiments in these two fields, and in doing so gained a better understanding of the influences and importance of microbes in food and the environment. The first exercise was the enumeration of soil microbes. This experiment showcased the immense diversity of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi found in soil. This diversity ranges from microbes that are beneficial to the environment by decomposing dead organic matter into energy sources usable by other organisms, to the pathogenic bacterial and fungal spores that can infect humans and animals alike. The techniques used are serial dilutions, which allow for quantification and a close estimation of the amount of said organisms found in a soil sample. (1) The second exercise that we conducted was the microbiology of water experiment. This is a very important standardized experiment used to determine the density of coliforms found in a 100 mL sample of water. It also can be used more specifically to determine the density of Escherichia coli, which can cause food poisoning amongst other illnesses. The techniques used are the multiple tube fermentation method, which involves...
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...Microbiology is requires not only an academic understanding of the microscopic world but also a practical understanding of lab techniques and procedures used to identify, control, and manipulate microorganisms. The proper identification of a microorganism is not only important in a microbiology lab but also in the medical, industrial, and pharmaceutical fields. In this lab report, lab techniques and procedures learned during this course were performed to assess each students’ practical knowledge in microbiology. 6In area of fields I mention earlier microbiology is very important to our vaccination and antibiotics we are using, understand that microorganism play a key role in maintaining life on earth, fixing gases and breaking down dead plant and animal matter into simpler substances that are used at the beginning of the food chain 6. Biotechnologists can also exploit the activities of microbes to benefit humans, such as in the production of medicines, enzymes and food. The goal of this lab report is 1) to demonstrate comprehension of the methods and lab techniques learned during the semester 2) to explain the tests performed on each isolated unknown that led to the identification of each unknown 3) and to give a background on the characteristics, pathogenicity and some uses of one of the identified unknowns. II. Introduction In this lab report I will discuss how I came to find my two unknown bacteria. Each bacteria have undergo many different test to eventually identifying...
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...least an undergraduate degree in microbiology. Further training with a Masters or Doctorate would be required to do anything other than entry level positions. Excellent microscopy skills and training in aseptic techniques are a must. * Responsibilities and Daily Activities This job requires a strong academic background with a lot of math, chemistry, and biology. Computer and lab skills are essential. Microbiologists grow cultures of bacteria (and other organisms) in medium for study. Using aseptic technique, they grow cultures to measure and calculate the rate of growth and how it grows. They learn what can and cannot kill their organisms and if it is a pathogen, they study ways to stop or slow its growth. In the lab, they work with microscopes, grow cultures, measure the rate of growth, and perform experiments with these organisms. Lab safety is very important in their work. They would NEVER eat or drink in the lab because this could cause contamination or could infect the food they are eating. * Salary Range Microbiologists can work in the academic community, industry or government. The following chart indicates the starting salary for these positions. Type of Work Place | Baccalaureate | Masters | Doctorate | Academic Institution | $21,000 | $29,000 | $46,000 | Industry | $21,000 | $35,000 | $66,000 | Government | $23,000 | $28,000 | $56,500 | * Documentation of Sources American Society for Microbiology [Internet]. 2010. Washington (USA):...
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...Microbiology: the study viruses and microscopic organisms I. Importance of Microbiology A. Different areas of study 1. Medical 2. Pharmaceutical 3. Industrial 4. Biotechnology 5. Food and dairy processing 6. Agriculture 7. Environmental B. Microorganisms are an important part of the human environment and health. C. Study of microorganisms brings insight into life processes in all forms of life. II. Viruses A. Not considered a live organism because: 1. Not a cell 2. Replicate by invading a cell, and using the cell to make more viruses 3. Do not grow 4. No homeostasis 5. Do not metabolize B. Structure – composed of: 1. Capsid or protein coat. 2. Some have an envelope (membrane) 3. Nucleic acid – either: RNA, DNA C. Size 1. About 20 nanometers to 250 nm (.0000000020m) in size 2. Can only be seen with electron microscope 3. Approximately 1000 times smaller than a bacteria D. Shapes E. Life Cycle 1. Viral DNA must invade a living cell to replicate a. Plant cell – through injury in cell wall b. Animal cell – punch hole or endocytosis c. Virus – restricted to one cell. 2. may go through one or both life cycles. a. Lytic life cycle - Attaches and injects DNA. - Replicate viral DNA. - Forms complete viruses. - Viruses fill cell, breaks open, and they spread b. Lysogenic life cycle - Does not make new virus. - Viral DNA injected, and makes modified DNA called a viroid. - A bacterium replicates many times. - Does not...
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...Diagnosis of an Infected Patient: Microbiology Paper BIO 212 Professor Fazely January 18, 2015 Professor Fazely Bio 212 18 January 2015 Diagnosis of an Infected Patient After collecting a sputum sample from a patient that is suspected or may be infected with a bacterium from one of the following genera: Escherichia, Mycoplasma or Bacillus; Each bacteria listed should be isolated by utilizing each of the various staining techniques. The best staining techniques to use is the Gram stain or the Acid- fast stain due to the fact that they both will provide a lot of information in detail regarding the bacteria being studied. It is very important to be observant of how each bacterium obtained reacts to each stain, and how the results obtained will lead us in a developing diagnosis. The first technique being used is the Gram stain. Gram stain is probably one of the most common used staining procedures used in the field of microbiology. It is one of the differential stains that are used to characterize bacteria in one of the two groups: either gram positive or gram negative bacteria. Bacteria prepared for the Gram stain is a heated fixed smear that is covered with a crystal violet. Because the purple stain impart its color to all cells. After a short period of time, the purple dye is then washed off, and the smear is then covered with iodine, a mordant. When the iodine is then washed off, both the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria appear dark violet in color or...
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...Task 4 A. Describe the differences between gram-positive and gram-negative cell walls. The difference is the outer casing of the bacteria. Gram positive cell wall consists of a smooth and thick wall. A gram positive bacteria will have a thick layer of peptidoglycan (a sugar-protein shell) that the stain can penetrate and teichoic acids. In this case the lactobacillus and staphylococcus are gram positive. A gram negative cell wall is wavy and much thinner and has a couple of layers of peptidoglycan. This is enclosed by an outer membrane made of phospholipids other substances. The outer membrane prevents the initial stain from penetrating. The Escherichia coli has a gram negative cell walls dye (Levinson, 2014). B. Explain what causes gram-negative bacteria to stain pink. Gram-negative bacteria are bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet dye in the Gram stain procedure. The crystal violet dye is washed by acetone and counter stain stick on its cell wall. The cells appear pink because of the color of the counterstain (safranin) (Levinson, 2014). In this case, it applied to the Escherichia coli bacteria since the thinner peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall did not allow for the stain to retain. C. Explain what causes gram-positive bacteria to stain purple. The iodine binds the crystal violet stain in the cell wall preventing counter stain from sticking onto the wall...
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...A. Describe the difference between an obligate and facultative aerobe. Obligate aerobes are bacteria that require oxygen for growth. They will only grow at the top portion of the culture media where it meets the air and has a lot of oxygen. Facultative aerobes grow based on what is available to it. They prefer oxygen but oxygen is not necessary for growth. These aerobes mainly cluster at the top of the culture media where they have a high concentration of oxygen but will dispersed throughout because they do not require oxygen. B. Discuss the temperature requirements of the organisms in this lab. 1. Explain what type of organisms they are. Staphylococcus epidermis and Lactobacillus acidophilus are both a bacteria microbe. They grow best at normal body temperature, close to 370C. Microorganisms are classified according to their preferred temperature ranges. Because both grew at 370C, they would be classified as mesophiles. Mesophiles grow best in moderate temperatures ranging between 250C – 450C (Alonzo, n.d.). C. Discuss under what conditions you would want to control the growth of microbes. 1. Explain what type of control you would employ in each situation. To minimize the risk of contamination from unwanted organisms, aseptic technique is required. In this experiment I washed my hands with antibacterial soap. I then place on gloves to prevent contamination to the cultures from the bacteria on my skin and to protect myself from unintended exposure of unknown...
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...because the data for the fermentation test are not available. When performing the gelatin test E. coli is a negative as for S. marcescens is a positive result. The final test conducted was the sucrose fermentation test; the results showed a yellow color meaning positive for acid production. In conclusion we can determine that Unknown A is S. marcescens(1). S. marcescens is a nosocomial infection usually found in healthcare settings. It grows best in relation to water, disinfectants, and blood bags (2). As for E. coli which is a normal bacteria that lives inside of human and animals intestines. It is not harmful unless it is outside of the body. Most strand cause diarrhea and other severe infections. It can be spread by contamination through food and water (3). When determining Unknown B, first rule out all Gram negative stains leaving the choices limited to B. subtilis, C. sporogenes, S. epidermidis, S. lutea, M. luteus, and M. roseus. The Gram positive bacteria grew only at 37 degrees celsius, eliminating M. roseus and M. luteus. After...
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...Available on line www.eijppr.com International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research ISSN (Online) 2249 – 6084 ISSN (Print) 2250 – 1029 Int.J.Pharm.Phytopharmacol.Res. 2011, 1(3): 107-111 (Research Article) An Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Abelmoschus esculentus on Clinically Isolated Infectious Disease Causing Bacterial Pathogen from Hospital Yogesh Chaudhari*1, Dr. E. P. Kumar2, Manisha Badhe3, Hardik R. Mody1, Vamshikrishna B. Acharya1 1 3 Dr. L. H. Hiranandani College of Pharmacy, Ulhasnagar. India 2 Karapagam College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, India Nandha College of Pharmacy,Kora Palyam Pirivu,Pitchandampalyam,Erode-638052 Received on: 21/11/2011 Accepted on: 17/12/2011 ABSTRACT Six different organic solvents such as n-butanol, petroleum ether, methanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform were used to extract the bioactive compounds from the fruits of Abelmoschus esculentus to screen the antibacterial activity against infectious disease causing bacterial pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabillis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by paper disc method. The butanolic extract of Abelmoschus esculentus was more active against almost 90% of the organism tested. It was followed by Ethyl acetate, Methanol, Petroleum ether, Chloroform in inhibiting the growth of organism tested. Key Words: Abelmoschus esculentus, Pathogens...
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...Acidophilus have a range of temperature but the ultimate one is 37 degree Celsius. If both tubes are put under a range of temperature, the highest being 37 degree Celsius, what would be observe at each temperature change. In addition to the previous, have a set of cap tube tight as to let know air in. What would be observed? Culture media can be found in different varieties of consistency and substance structure. There are three general forms of culture media: solid, semi-solid and liquid. The liquid form is usually refer to as broth. Culture media are nutrient preparations used to cultivate microorganisms such as bacteria. An agar is a jellylike substance obtained from a red alga and used especially in culture media or to give firmness to foods. An agar slant is used to preserve bacteria cultures. It is put in a tube with cap, that way it does not become dry easily. The tube is then place on a rack. The agar slant take less space compare to the agar dishes. The agar dish is also called agar plate, mostly used to test sensitivity to antibiotics and to culture microorganism. There is also the agar stab, a needle is used to stab the culture deeply into the agar. S. Epidermis: no noticeable change, probably due to less than 27 degree C. Temperature will be increase and monitoring continued. First the product seems to have...
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...INTRODUCTION There are many reasons for knowing the identity of microorganisms. The reasons range from the knowing the causative agent of a disease in a patient, so as to know how it can be treated, to knowing the correct microorganism to be used for making certain foods or antibiotics. This study was done by applying all the methods that have been learned so far in the microbiology laboratory class for the identification of an unknown bacterium. MEDIA LIST Unknown Bacterium #5 Mannitol Salt Agar Plate DNA Agar Plate Blood Agar Plate RESULTS/ DATA The Unknown #5 had the following morphology after Gram staining and observed under a brightfiled microscope: purple color, spherical shape and clustered like grape. After determining that it was a Gram positive staphylococcus, it was inoculated on a MSA plate, Blood Agar, DNA agar and Catalase test was also performed to help figure out the staphylococcus type. The Table below lists all of the biochemical tests, their purpose and results. TEST PURPOSE REAGENTS OBSERVATIONS RESULTS Gram Stain To determine the Gram reaction of the bacterium Crystal violet, Iodine, Alcohol, Safranin Purple grape cluster arrangement cocci Gram Positive coccus Mannitol Salt Agar To determine the if the bacterium can tolerate high saline levels and grow If the bacterium can ferment mannitol None There was a full growth and the mannitol turned to yellow (acidic) Positive Blood Agar To determine if the bacterium can hemolysis...
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...Diagnosis of an Infected Patient: Microbiology Paper Bio 212 18 January 2015 Diagnosis of an Infected Patient After collecting a sputum sample from a patient that is suspected or may be infected with a bacterium from one of the following genera: Escherichia, Mycoplasma or Bacillus; Each bacteria listed should be isolated by utilizing each of the various staining techniques. The best staining techniques to use is the Gram stain or the Acid- fast stain due to the fact that they both will provide a lot of information in detail regarding the bacteria being studied. It is very important to be observant of how each bacterium obtained reacts to each stain, and how the results obtained will lead us in a developing diagnosis. The first technique being used is the Gram stain. Gram stain is probably one of the most common used staining procedures used in the field of microbiology. It is one of the differential stains that are used to characterize bacteria in one of the two groups: either gram positive or gram negative bacteria. Bacteria prepared for the Gram stain is a heated fixed smear that is covered with a crystal violet. Because the purple stain impart its color to all cells. After a short period of time, the purple dye is then washed off, and the smear is then covered with iodine, a mordant. When the iodine is then washed off, both the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria appear dark violet in color or purple. The next, process is the slide is then washed with alcohol...
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...0717-3458 edbiotec@ucv.cl Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Chile How to cite Complete issue More information about this article Journal's homepage www.redalyc.org Non-Profit Academic Project, developed under the Open Acces Initiative Electronic Journal of Biotechnology ISSN: 0717-3458 http://www.ejbiotechnology.info DOI: 10.2225/vol13-issue5-fulltext-1 Characterization of the antiyeast compound and probiotic properties of a starter Lactobacillus plantarum DW3 for possible use in fermented plant beverages Duangporn Kantachote1 1 · Pakorn Prachyakij1 · Wilawan Charernjiratrakul1 Metta Ongsakul · Yodsawee Duangjitcharoen2 · Chaiyavat Chaiyasut2 Teruhiko Nitoda3 · Hiroshi Kanzaki3 1 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand 2 Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Thailand 3 The Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Japan Corresponding author: duangporn.k@psu.ac.th.com Received February 24, 2010 / Accepted April 30, 2010 Published online: September 15, 2010 © 2010 by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile Abstract...
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...TABLE OF CONTENTS Title page Approval page Dedication Acknowledgement Abstracts Table of contents CHAPTER ONE 1.1 INTRODUCTION 1.2 HISTORICAL REVIEW CHAPTER TWO 2.1 CONCEPT OF FOOD SPOILAGE 2.2 SPOILAGE MICRORGANISMS CHAPTER THREE 3.1 SPOILAGE MICRORGANISM IN FRESH WHOLE FRUITS 3.2 UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SPOILAGE MICRORGANISMS 3.3 SOURCES OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF CITRUS FRUITS CHAPTER FOUR 4.1 MICROBIAL SPOILAGE OF FRESH CUT FRUITS 4.2 MICROBIOLOGICAL SPOILAGE DEFECTS OF FRESH-CUT CITRUSFRUITS 4.3 IMPACT OF MICROBIOLOGICAL SPOILAGE 4.4 INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC FACTORS OF SPOILAGE MICRORGANISM CHAPTER FIVE 5.1 PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF MICROBIAL SPOILAGE IN CITRUS FRUITS 5.2 SUMMARY AND CONCLUTION REFERENCES CHAPTER ONE 1.1 INTRODUCTION Consumption of citrus fruits and fruit juices has substantially risen over the last few years, mostly due to the increasing demand for low-caloric food products with fresh-like characteristics. In addition, there is scientific evidence that consumption of Citrus fruits and vegetables helps prevent many degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular problems and several cancers (Rico et al., 2007). Fresh fruits have a natural protective barrier that acts effectively against most plant spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. However, as a consequence of inappropriate manipulation during the handling, cutting, shredding, and maintenance of the fruit at ambient temperature and storage conditions, both...
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...Courtney Tweed Public Health Microbiology Video project essay Why We Should Be More Cautious When Handling Money When eating at some restaurants, employees handle food and money, without ever washing their hands in between. Some businesses require gloves, but then workers will handle money with those gloved hands. This can cause a high risk of cross-contamination. This can cause sporadic cases of infectious intestinal disease among customers (Michaels). Earliest studies showed 13% of US coins and 42% of paper money had potential pathogens. They identified E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Staphylococcus species.Studies after that saw that 18% of coins and 7% of currency tested had organisms that could be disease producing. E. coli and salmonella enteritidis were shown to transport pathogens even a few days after contact (Michaels). E. coli could survive up to 11 days on some coins, and contaminate other surfaces. The US government takes soiled and tattered notes out of circulation. The important variable depends on where the money has been, as well as activities performed before handling it. It stands to reason that money will bare the microbial imprint of previous activities. The more recent the activity, the higher the microbial count. Also depending on where the study took place, the levels of intestinal disease could be quite high. Old Nigerian currency was found to be so contaminated it was considered a health risk for treasury workers due to impairment...
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