Chapter 3, Problem 1Q

What is the advantage of using Petri plates rather than test tubes in microbiology?

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The advantage of Petri dishes over test tubes in microbiology.

Introduction:

Microbiology is a discipline of studying microscopic organisms like protozoa, fungi, archaea, viruses, and bacteria for different aspects. The field of study has many applications in industry and research. Microbes that are beneficial for humans are cultured at a larger level for extracting their benefits whereas the ones harmful to humans are studied to combat their harmful effects.

Explanation of Solution

A petri dish is a transparent dish that is shallow and lidded. It is commonly used for culturing microorganisms like small mosses and bacteria.

A test tube or a culture tube is a finger-like tube commonly used in laboratories. It is open from the top and closed from the bottom. Test tubes can be made from plastics or glass. It is used for culturing and handling different types of live organisms such as plant cuttings, seedlings, bacteria, etc.

Petri dishes are beneficial over test tubes as they provide a larger surface area for culturing. Also, culturing and assaying of microbes can be done in different and easy ways. Colonies of microorganisms can be easily isolated and counted in a petri dish.

Conclusion

Petri dishes are beneficial over test tubes as they provide a larger surface area for microbial growth and allows a biologist to examine the culture easily.