Lab 8 Identifying an Unknown Organism BIO250L
Straighterline Microbiology Lab BIO250L Lab 8
Identifying an Unknown Organism Worksheet
(New Version Updated)
Lab Report Format Expectations
Utilize college level grammar and professional formatting when completing this worksheet.
Submissions without proper formatting, all required photos or sufficient responses will be
rejected.
Pre-lab Questions
1. What is the purpose of Lab 8? What concepts is it trying to convey to a microbiology
student? Microbiology lab eight aims to provide students with a systematic method
for identifying microorganisms. Students gain abilities in observation, classification,
and critical thinking by using a dichotomous key, a tool that has paired, contrasting
statements leading to identifying an organism. The laboratory serves to reaffirm
taxonomy concepts while highlighting the variety of microorganisms and
encouraging knowledge of their distinctive characteristics. It offers hands- on
training in laboratory methods, promoting meticulousness and systematic
approaches to identification.
2. What is the purpose of designing a dichotomous key? How will it be utilized in this lab?
To offer an organized and effective method for recognizing and categorizing
organisms according to observable traits. The dichotomous key is valid in laboratory
settings for taxonomic classification, species identification, and teaching. It helps
scientists, researchers, and students identify organisms consistently and reliably in
the lab or when conducting fieldwork. The key simplifies distinguishing between
various species and provides an organized method for classifying the diversity of life.
3. Using a reputable source online, describe how the Fluid Thioglycollate Medium
(FTM) test works. Provide enough elaboration that you clearly demonstrate your
knowledge of this test. The Fluid Thioglycollate Medium (FTM) test aims to
evaluate oxygen needs and microorganism growth patterns. This adaptable
medium has a semi-solid consistency due to sodium
, Lab 8 Identifying an Unknown Organism BIO250L
thioglycollate and a tiny quantity of agar. The organism is injected into FTM tubes
for the test, and the tubes are subsequently incubated to promote gelation and the
creation of an oxygen gradient. The tube's bottom is oxygen-depleted, whereas the
top contains higher oxygen concentrations. Aerobes develop mainly at the top;
facultative anaerobes are found throughout but are more concentrated at the top,
and obligatory anaerobes are found at the bottom where oxygen is scarce. In clinical
microbiology, the FTM test is frequently used to isolate anaerobic
Straighterline Microbiology Lab BIO250L Lab 8
Identifying an Unknown Organism Worksheet
(New Version Updated)
Lab Report Format Expectations
Utilize college level grammar and professional formatting when completing this worksheet.
Submissions without proper formatting, all required photos or sufficient responses will be
rejected.
Pre-lab Questions
1. What is the purpose of Lab 8? What concepts is it trying to convey to a microbiology
student? Microbiology lab eight aims to provide students with a systematic method
for identifying microorganisms. Students gain abilities in observation, classification,
and critical thinking by using a dichotomous key, a tool that has paired, contrasting
statements leading to identifying an organism. The laboratory serves to reaffirm
taxonomy concepts while highlighting the variety of microorganisms and
encouraging knowledge of their distinctive characteristics. It offers hands- on
training in laboratory methods, promoting meticulousness and systematic
approaches to identification.
2. What is the purpose of designing a dichotomous key? How will it be utilized in this lab?
To offer an organized and effective method for recognizing and categorizing
organisms according to observable traits. The dichotomous key is valid in laboratory
settings for taxonomic classification, species identification, and teaching. It helps
scientists, researchers, and students identify organisms consistently and reliably in
the lab or when conducting fieldwork. The key simplifies distinguishing between
various species and provides an organized method for classifying the diversity of life.
3. Using a reputable source online, describe how the Fluid Thioglycollate Medium
(FTM) test works. Provide enough elaboration that you clearly demonstrate your
knowledge of this test. The Fluid Thioglycollate Medium (FTM) test aims to
evaluate oxygen needs and microorganism growth patterns. This adaptable
medium has a semi-solid consistency due to sodium
, Lab 8 Identifying an Unknown Organism BIO250L
thioglycollate and a tiny quantity of agar. The organism is injected into FTM tubes
for the test, and the tubes are subsequently incubated to promote gelation and the
creation of an oxygen gradient. The tube's bottom is oxygen-depleted, whereas the
top contains higher oxygen concentrations. Aerobes develop mainly at the top;
facultative anaerobes are found throughout but are more concentrated at the top,
and obligatory anaerobes are found at the bottom where oxygen is scarce. In clinical
microbiology, the FTM test is frequently used to isolate anaerobic
