Culturing microorganisms Practice Questions

Question 1

Q1. Knowledge Recall (2 marks)

Define the term 'sterile'.

Question 2

Q2. Application of Knowledge (3 marks)

Explain the importance of using aseptic technique when culturing microorganisms.

Question 3

Q3. Data Analysis/Interpretation (4 marks)

The table shows the growth of bacteria in different conditions:

Condition

Growth (CFU/ml)

Control

100

Nutrient agar

1000

Blood agar

500

Explain which medium is most suitable for culturing the bacteria and support your answer with evidence from the data.

Question 4

Q4. Knowledge Recall (1 mark)

Name the type of medium used to grow bacteria that require oxygen.

Question 5

Q5. Application of Knowledge (3 marks)

Describe the process of serial dilution in the context of culturing microorganisms.

Question 6

Q6. Knowledge Recall (2 marks)

Define the term 'colony forming unit' (CFU).

Question 7

Q7. Data Analysis/Interpretation (4 marks)

The following data was obtained after performing a serial dilution on a bacterial suspension:

MacConkey agar

250

Dilution

CFU/ml

10^-1

500

10^-2

Calculate the original concentration of the bacterial suspension.

Question 8

Q8. Knowledge Recall (2 marks)

Name two methods used to identify microorganisms based on their appearance.

Question 9

Q9. Application of Knowledge (3 marks)

Explain how selective media can be used to isolate specific types of microorganisms.

Question 10

Q10. Data Analysis/Interpretation (4 marks)

The graph shows the growth curve of a bacterial culture:

[Graph description would be here]

Describe the different phases of growth represented in the graph.

10^-3

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