Microbiology Lab Practical #1 Review Questions with Complete Solutions

Microbiology Lab Practical #1 Review Questions with Complete Solutions Why is it essential to work quickly when making a bacterial smear? To prevent the sample from drying out and ensuring even spreading of bacteria. How does a microscope's light source impact your ability to see microorganisms? Proper light intensity is crucial for illuminating the sample and revealing fine details of microorganisms. What is the significance of not overloading a microscope slide with too many bacteria during a smear prep? Overloading can make it difficult to observe individual cell morphology and may cause uneven staining. What happens if you forget to flame your loop before transferring bacteria? The bacteria could be contaminated by microbes from the environment or cross-contaminate cultures. 2 What is a petri dish’s purpose in a microbiology lab? It provides a solid surface for growing and isolating bacterial colonies. Why is it necessary to perform a Gram stain in microbiology? It helps classify bacteria based on their cell wall structure and guides treatment options. What does the term “aseptic technique” mean in the lab? It refers to methods used to keep cultures free from contamination by microorganisms. How can improper handling of a microscope slide affect your results? Scratches or smears on the slide can distort your view of the sample, affecting accuracy. What is the key reason why we always sterilize equipment like loops and test tubes? To ensure no unwanted bacteria are introduced to the samples, maintaining a sterile environment. What role do culture media play in microbiology experiments? 3 They provide nutrients and environments that support the growth of specific microorganisms. What happens to a bacterial culture when left in an incubator for too long? The bacteria may outgrow the available nutrients, alter their morphology, or die due to overcrowding. How does using a wet mount help in identifying live microorganisms? It allows observation of living organisms' movement and behavior, providing valuable diagnostic clues. Why is it important to store petri dishes upside down during incubation? This prevents condensation from dripping onto the agar surface, which could spread bacteria uncontrollably. What effect does using too much or too little iodine during Gram staining have? Too much iodine can mask the stain; too little might lead to inaccurate differentiation of bacteria. 4 Why do some bacteria form endospores, and why is this significant? Endospores protect bacteria from harsh environmental conditions,