Straighterline Lab 8 Identifying an Unknown Organism BIO250L Completed Worksheet with all
lab photos (Latest Version August 2024)
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?
The objective of Microbiology Lab Eight is to instruct students in a systematic method for
identifying microorganisms. Students improve their skills in observation, classification, and
analytical thinking by using a dichotomous key, a tool that consists of a series of paired,
contrasting statements that guide the identification process. The lab demonstrates the diversity
of microorganisms, highlights their unique traits, and reaffirms taxonomy concepts. It provides
practical experience with lab methods, encouraging accuracy and methodical approach to
microbiological identification.
2. What is the purpose of designing a dichotomous key? How will it be utilized in this lab?
The objective of Microbiology Lab Eight is to instruct students in a systematic method for
identifying microorganismsThe goal of using a dichotomous key is to provide an organized and
efficient way to identify and categorize organisms according to observable characteristics. This
instrument is useful for taxonomic classification in the field and in the laboratory, as well as for
species identification assignments in educational contexts. It helps researchers, scientists, and
students by making accurate and consistent species identification easier. The key offers a
methodical framework for arranging the diversity of life and makes the process of differentiating
between species easier.
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 objective of Microbiology Lab Eight is to instruct students in a systematic method for
identifying microorganismsThe purpose of the Fluid Thioglycollate Medium (FTM) test is to
assess the oxygen requirements and growth patterns of microorganisms. This semi-solid
medium, which includes a small amount of sodium thioglycollate and agar, enables the creation
of an oxygen gradient. The microorganism is added to FTM tubes during the test, and the tubes
are then incubated to encourage gelation and the creation of an oxygen gradient. The
concentration of oxygen is greater at the tube's top and falls as it approaches the bottom,
, where oxygen is scarce. Aerobic organisms grow mostly in the upper region, facultative
anaerobes are found throughout the medium but are more concentrated in the lower areas,
and obligate anaerobes flourish at the bottom. The objective of Microbiology Lab Eight is to
instruct students in a systematic method for identifying microorganismsIn clinical microbiology,
the FTM test is a standard procedure for isolating anaerobic bacteria and determining an
organism's oxygen requirements, offering crucial information about the behavior of
microorganisms.
4. Would you consider this a selective or differential media?
selective media.
5. Describe how an obligate aerobe would grow in an FTM Tube. What about a facultative
anaerobe?
In an FTM (Fluid Thioglycollate Medium) tube, the upper region, where oxygen concentration is
highest and aerobic respiration predominates, is ideal for obligate aerobes that require oxygen
for growth. On the other hand, facultative anaerobes show a more varied growth pattern along
the gradient because they can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. In the oxygen-
rich upper region of the tube, these microorganisms grow aerobically; however, as they descend
to lower oxygen concentrations, they may transition to anaerobic metabolism. Researchers can
learn important information about the oxygen preferences, metabolic adaptability, and
environmental tolerance of various microorganisms by examining their growth patterns in the
FTM tube.
EXPERIMENT 1: IDENTIFICATION OF UNKNOWN BACTERIA UTILIZING A DICHOTOMOUS KEY
Introductory Questions
1. What is the number of the organism you selected in the lab?
2
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