Unit 4 Microbiology Lab Report.edited.edited

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Unit 4 Microbiology Lab Report Template ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT Name: Date: Instructor: Pre-lab report (Answer the following questions immediately after completing the first steps of the lab). 1. Three home areas were swabbed in the household microbes experiment, including a remote control, a cell phone, and the kitchen sink. Which of the three agar plates will have the most individual growth colonies? Provide a reason for your prediction. (2-3 sentences) My remote control will exhibit the highest number of individual colonies as it is rarely cleaned, being exclusively handled by me. Bacterial growth has occurred due to the limited cleaning frequency, and existing bacteria may already be on the remote control. 2. What do you expect to see in the disinfectant test on the AFTER plate? Provide a reason for your prediction. (2-3 sentences) I anticipate observing reduced microbial growth in the disinfectant test, as it clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of strong disinfectants. This experiment will showcase disinfectants' potency in inhibiting microbial proliferation. The expected decrease in colony numbers on the disinfectant-

treated surface will underscore the efficacy of the disinfection process. 3. List the details of the disinfectant listed in the lab, including any claims made on the label and directions for disinfecting a surface (such as “kills 99% of household germs” or “eliminates bacteria”). Kills 99% of household germs, Kills COVID-19, Kills 99.9% of Viruses and Bacteria, Kills Staph, E. coli, MRSA, Salmonella, Strep, Kleb Post-lab report results (Complete the following table and questions by observing the results section in the alternate lab). Household Microbes Count and record the total number of colonies present on the agar plate Morphology of colonies (colors, sizes) Describe at least three colonies. Is mold present? (check for black or white fuzzy colonies) Plate #1 Remote control 7 Black, small sizes, and circular. yes Black and flat, Black and curled. Plate #2 Cell phone 3 Curled and green Raised and red Flat and blue yes

Plate #3 Kitchen sink 4 Purple and crateriform Black and round and raised Black/blue curled no Answer the following questions. Include an overview of all of your results and observations. 1. Which surface in your home had the most bacterial colonies of growth on the plate? (150-200 words) The object displaying the highest count of bacterial colonies on the plate was my remote control. Mold proliferation was evident across the entire bottom and along the sides of the plate. Approximately seven to eight colonies had developed, accompanied by a subtle odor emanating from the plate's edges. The plate exhibited opacity, requiring it to be held against the light for a detailed examination of the colors and overall formation. The substantial microbial growth, mold, and an observable scent highlighted the remote control's propensity for harboring bacteria. The need for additional light to discern details accentuated the extent of microbial colonization on the plate, emphasizing the importance of regular cleaning and disinfection for items frequently touched and potentially overlooked in daily routines. 2. How does this compare with your prediction? (150-200 words) My initial prediction proved accurate; nonetheless, the extent of dirtiness surpassed my expectations. While I am generally conscientious about keeping my phone clean, given its frequent proximity to my face during calls, the presence of three colonies was unexpected. Although I anticipated the remote control to be dirty, the observed microbial growth underscored

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the need for a thorough cleaning and disinfection. The discrepancy between expectations and the actual state of cleanliness highlights the importance of regular and comprehensive cleaning practices, even for items presumed to be relatively clean. Moving forward, I recognize the necessity of implementing more rigorous cleaning routines to ensure a hygienic environment, particularly for frequently used items like the remote control. This experience underscores the importance of not solely relying on visual cleanliness cues and emphasizes the significance of microbiological assessments in gauging the hygiene status of everyday objects. Ultimately, these findings prompt a reconsideration of cleaning habits and a commitment to more thorough disinfection practices to maintain a healthier living environment. Testing Total number of colonies on plate. Describe the morphology of at least three colonies (colors, sizes). Is mold present? (check for black or white fuzzy colonies). BEFORE plate 7 Black and flat Black and curled Black/green flat Yes AFTER plate 3 White and Flat White and Curled Grey and Flat Yes Answer the following questions: 1. What effect did the disinfectant have on the swabbed surface? Compare the

BEFORE and AFTER plates in terms of colony totals, diversity of colonies, and presence of mold. Do you think the disinfectant was effective? (150-200 words) The condition before the application of the disinfectant was characterized by significant mold presence and a high concentration of bacterial colonies. The microbial load on the surface was substantial, contributing to a potentially unsanitary environment. Upon comparing the post- disinfection state, a notable reduction in the number of colonies was observed, indicating the disinfectant's efficacy in curbing microbial growth (wikimedia.org, 2023). The transformative process was evident as the environment appeared to be clearing up, with a noticeable decrease in visual mold and the overall microbial population. One striking difference was the olfactory change between the before and after states. Initially, a potent and perhaps unpleasant smell emanated from the microbial activity. However, after the disinfection process, there was a significant reduction in the intensity of the odor. This olfactory improvement suggests a decrease in microbial activity and an enhancement in overall hygiene. The contrast in colony numbers and the perceptible reduction in unpleasant odors post-disinfection collectively point to the effectiveness of the disinfectant. The transformation observed reinforces the importance of utilizing disinfectants to create a healthier and more hygienic living environment. These findings underscore the significant impact that proper disinfection can have on microbial populations and highlight the potential improvement in both visual and olfactory aspects of cleanliness. These observations encourage a continued commitment to effective disinfection practices to maintain a sanitized living space. 2. How can bacterial cells use genetic recombination to gain resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants? (150-200 words) Genetic recombination involves blending genetic material from distinct sources, resulting in

a novel combination of genetic elements. Bacteria have developed sophisticated mechanisms to achieve genetic recombination, wherein they acquire additional genetic material to augment their existing genes, thereby generating a fresh genetic composition within them. The newly acquired genetic information may encompass survival strategies tailored to diverse environments. In challenging conditions, bacteria can activate specific genes encoded in this acquired material, producing proteins or other factors that enhance their adaptability and survival. Genetic recombination is crucial in equipping bacteria with the genetic traits necessary for antibiotic resistance. This adaptation allows bacteria to activate resistance genes when exposed to antibiotics, ensuring their survival in the face of such challenges. The richness of genetic material through recombination enhances the likelihood of bacteria possessing the essential genes for their continued existence. 3. The "five-second rule" is a common saying when someone briefly drops something on the floor or other surfaces. The rule assumes that dropped food can be consumed if retrieved in five seconds or less. Considering your results, do you think the five-second rule is good to follow? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the lab in your answer. (300-400 words) I find the five-second rule to be an unsound guideline due to the prevalence of microbes in various household items. Objects such as sponges, rags, towels, and scrubbies, constituting roughly 70 percent of these items, can harbor microbes, including E. coli. Sink drains, a common household feature, typically host over 500,000 bacteria per square inch. Moreover, ordinary items like mattresses may house anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million dust mites. Humans naturally shed approximately 1/5 ounce of dead skin flakes every week, contributing to 80% of the material, primarily skin flakes, floating in a sunbeam. Notably, a study discovered

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Staphylococcus bacteria in 26% of tested tubs. Additionally, nearly 50% of American homes exhibit allergen levels high enough to induce sensitivity to dust mites in individuals previously non-allergic. The concept of a truly clean surface becomes questionable, as even seemingly mundane items, such as countertops and stovetops, contain germs, as indicated by culinary school teachings at The Art Institute of California. The moisture content of food items correlates directly with contamination, exemplified by a study on watermelon, which, due to its high moisture levels, displayed more contamination than any other tested food item (Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company, 2005-2022). This information underscores the need for caution and reevaluation of common practices regarding food safety and surface cleanliness. References Healthline Media is a Red Ventures Company. 2005-2022 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-cause-food- poisoning#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9 wikimedia.org (2023) File: colony morphology.svg , Wikimedia Commons . Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colony_morphology.svg (Accessed: 04 December 2023).

Unit 4 Microbiology Lab Report.edited.edited

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