Microbiology Unknown
UNKNOWN LAB REPORT
UNKNOWN NUMBER 54
Ron Williams
7-28-05
Bio 205
Prof. Curlee
Fall 2005
Purpose
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 of the methods that have been learned so far in the microbiology laboratory class for the identification of an unknown bacterium.
Hypothesis
By slowly narrowing down the bacteria by each test, I will be able to conclude the unknown bacteria by its special characteristics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An unknown labeled as #54 was given out by the lab instructor. The methods that have been learned thus far for identifying bacteria have been applied to this unknown. Procedures were followed as stated in the course laboratory manual, unless otherwise noted. The first procedure that needed to be done was to streak the unknown out on a Trypticase Soy Agar plate, using the T streak method. This needed to be done in order to test the purity of the unknown. After the plates were incubated and grown, the morphology was observed and recorded and a Gram stain was performed. After determining the Gram reaction, specific biochemical tests were performed. The biochemical tests were chosen from the unknown identification tables that were in the lab manual. Since the unknown #54 was determined to be a Gram positive rod, a thyoglycollate test was performed to determine aerobic activity. Table 1 lists the test, purpose, reagents and results. All of the following tests were performed on this unknown:
1 Colony Appearance
2 Motility
3 Gram Stain
4 Thyoglycollate aerobic vs. anaerobic
5 Innoculate T soy slant
6 Optimum growth temperature 37o vs. 42o
7 Nitrate test
8 Methyl Red
9 Carbohydrate fermentation
10 Catalase Test
11 Oxidase test
UNKNOWN NUMBER 54
Ron Williams
7-28-05
Bio 205
Prof. Curlee
Fall 2005
Purpose
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 of the methods that have been learned so far in the microbiology laboratory class for the identification of an unknown bacterium.
Hypothesis
By slowly narrowing down the bacteria by each test, I will be able to conclude the unknown bacteria by its special characteristics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An unknown labeled as #54 was given out by the lab instructor. The methods that have been learned thus far for identifying bacteria have been applied to this unknown. Procedures were followed as stated in the course laboratory manual, unless otherwise noted. The first procedure that needed to be done was to streak the unknown out on a Trypticase Soy Agar plate, using the T streak method. This needed to be done in order to test the purity of the unknown. After the plates were incubated and grown, the morphology was observed and recorded and a Gram stain was performed. After determining the Gram reaction, specific biochemical tests were performed. The biochemical tests were chosen from the unknown identification tables that were in the lab manual. Since the unknown #54 was determined to be a Gram positive rod, a thyoglycollate test was performed to determine aerobic activity. Table 1 lists the test, purpose, reagents and results. All of the following tests were performed on this unknown:
1 Colony Appearance
2 Motility
3 Gram Stain
4 Thyoglycollate aerobic vs. anaerobic
5 Innoculate T soy slant
6 Optimum growth temperature 37o vs. 42o
7 Nitrate test
8 Methyl Red
9 Carbohydrate fermentation
10 Catalase Test
11 Oxidase test