Preview

Unknown Bacteria Report

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
586 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Unknown Bacteria Report
Determining the Unknown Microorganism from a Mixed Culture
Mylah Ferland, Rivier University MICRO 206, March 16th, 2016

Introduction:
An unknown bacterium experiment, this experiment was done to discover what bacterium was in a mixed culture sample. This experiment worked with enteric bacteria which are members of the Enterobacteriaceae and live in the intestinal tract (Willey et al., 2014). Also found in Willey et al (2014) is some characteristics of enterics such as they all degrade sugars by means of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, they produce plasmid-encoded proteins and that some of them perform mixed acid fermentation, some use enzyme systems like formate dehydrogenase and pyruvate formate-lyase (PFL) The first thing that had to be done was the streak plating to isolate the bacterium, then the next lab multiple tests were ran to help identify which bacterium was in the sample. One of the most important tests done was gram staining because it helped to limit the possible bacterium that it could have been. To be sure which bacterium was worked with we referred to the Bergey’s manual and compared the results to the possible bacterium.
Results:
…show more content…
All the test done were based on results that we would be able to find in the Bergey’s manual. Table one shows the results of my unknown and Salmonella typhimurium found in the Bergey’s manual.
Gram staining showed gram negative rods, a motility test was also conducted to see if the bacterium moved or not, it was found to be none motile. Three different types of agar plates were used, they had two known bacterium put on along with the unknown to be able to compare negative and positive results if the known with the results of the unknown, refer to Barbaro (2016) for how the test were done.

Table 1: Results of unknown from testing done according to our lab

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Unable to read the Gram Stain at first it was later confirmed that Unknown #7 was a gram negative bacteria. When introduced to Starch Unknown #7 produced no zone of clearing showing that it did not contain the enzyme amylase. When introduced to the Lipid Unknown #7 did produce a zone of clearing indicating that it did contain the enzyme lipase. When introduced to Casein Unknown #7 produced no zone of clearing indicating that it did not contain the enzyme protease. When streaked onto the Gelatin, it remained solid after being incubated for a week.…

    • 553 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    From the streak plate, several slides were made to determine the morphology of unknown 45. A Gram stain, used to indicate the type of cell wall possessed by the bacterium, was performed. U45 stained a bright pink color and were small ovals and rods in shape. This indicated that U45 was a gram-negative bacillus bacterium. A capsular stain was then performed to determine the presence or absence of a capsule. Unknown 45 was positive for capsules. Having determined that U45 was gram-negative, there was no need to perform the Schaeffer-Fulton endospore stain, which is used detect the presence of endospores in certain gram-positive bacteria.…

    • 1738 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    By doing these tests we will be able to see how the unknown bacteria reacts to certain conditions. If our results of these lab experiments are conclusive then we should be able to determine what our unknown bacteria is.…

    • 1370 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    Unknown Lab Report

    • 2145 Words
    • 9 Pages

    The tests performed on the unknown bacteria cultures were all used to determine the identity of the bacteria. Each of the tests performed provided some key information about the bacteria in question and how it functions. Not all of the tests were performed on every culture, however, as some of the tests were used only for gram (+) or gram (–) bacteria, while others were even more specific and used only for cocci bacteria. The tests performed and what constitutes a positive and negative test are as follows.…

    • 2145 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Unknown Lab Report

    • 891 Words
    • 4 Pages

    An unknown bacterium was handed out by Dr. Honer. The appropriate tests were prepared and applied. The first procedure that was done was the gram stain. Under a microscope, if the gram stain is purple, the bacterium is gram positive, if the stain is red, it is gram negative. The next test was the fermentation tests for glucose, sucrose and lactose. If an organism is able to ferment the carbohydrate, there will be acid produced, which will turn the broth yellow. Homofermentation shows that only one product was produced-acid. Other organisms will carry out heterofermentation, the presence of acid and gas. If the organism is unable to ferment the sugar in the tube, there will be no change in the orange/red color of the broth and will be considered alkaline. The following tests that I performed were tests for methyl red and vogues proskauer in SIM media. A positive methyl red test indicates a mixed acid fermentation and would turn the organism’s broth red, if no color presents, it is negative. A positive vogues proskauer test indicates fermentation to neutral products and will turn the broth red, if no color presents, it is also negative. Stab inoculating the SIM media for these tests will also show if the organism produces sulfur or indole and if it is motile. If sulfur is present, then the medium will be black, if it produces indole, the medium will be red, and if it is motile, there will be growth throughout the tube. I also grew the organism on MacConkey agar. After inoculation, visible colonies may or may not be present.…

    • 891 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    An unknown bacterium was handed out by the lab instructor. The methods that have been learned so far in identifying bacteria were applied to this unknown. Procedures were followed as stated in the lab manual and biochemical test handouts. The first procedure that was done was a gram stain followed by a streak of the unknown on a TSA plate in order to determine the gram reaction and observe the colony morphology. After that, specific biochemical tests were performed for gram positive, since unknown number five was determined to be gram positive rod. The other tests were performed in this order: Mannitol Salt (MSA) streak, Blood Agar streak, Catalase test, Nitrate Reduction test, and Phenyl Red Broth test for lactose and sucrose fermentation.…

    • 481 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Unknown Lab Report

    • 1149 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Prepare two slides for gram staining and viewing under a microscope. {Either my gram-stain slides were bad or the microscopes I chose for viewing were not good. No bacteria were found under the microscope.}…

    • 1149 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    One possible source of contamination may be the produce that is grown and distributed locally at a farmer’s market. A test sample of some of the produce revealed evidence of bacterial contamination. The bacteria sample was tested in a microbiology lab and showed the results that follow. The laboratory also performed a Gram stain of the isolated bacteria and ran a number of biochemical tests to aid identification. The biochemical tests were assayed using the Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E system for identification of Enterobacteriaceae and other gram-negative…

    • 891 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Mystery Microbe

    • 2499 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Introduction: Being able to identify a particular bacterial species is important. It is very useful in knowing its risk of toxicity to humans or animals, its resistance or susceptibility to antibiotics, and determining how to control its growth or kill it altogether. The purpose of these procedures is to discovery the identity of an unknown microbe by observing its reactions to a barrage of chemical and physical tests. Different microorganisms react in different ways, due to their function, digestibility, morphology, chemical make-up and other details. By observing the responses to these tests performed in a particular sequence, some can be eliminated as possibilities and others require further investigation.…

    • 2499 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to help you become a little familiar with some of the tests that can be typically performed in a clinical or research lab facility. These tests may help in determining a particular pathogen’s growth needs.…

    • 2393 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Unknown Microbiology

    • 472 Words
    • 2 Pages

    This needed to be done to pertain pure isolation for each of the unknown microorganisms. After both plates were properly inoculated and incubated at 37C for 24- 48 hours, and two separate morphologies were then observed and recorded, unknown A and unknown B, a Gram stain was then performed for each unknown. After determining the Gram reaction, alternate staining procedures were performed as needed. Unknown A required further endospore staining, whereas unknown B required no further staining procedures. Once all staining methods were complete, specific biochemical tests were performed. The biochemical tests were chosen from the unknown identification tables and dichotomous keys that were given in the lab manual. Since unknown A was determined to be a Gram positive rod and an endospore producer, the genus Bacillus was then concluded. Unknown A bacteria was then inoculated into a lactose fermentation broth tube and a mannitol fermentation broth tube for further testing of the species. Note, all of these tests were performed by the methods listed in the lab manual (171-173). All of the following biochemical tests were perform on unknown…

    • 472 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Unknown Bacteria

    • 544 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In this laboratory exercise explore the differences of microorganism and continue our use of specialized media and use some biochemical testing.This report discloses the basic laboratory instruments will be used in each of our practices .It is of great importance to recognize and identify the different instruments and laboratory tools, because in this way will we be able to use them properly and also to call them by name and know why.…

    • 544 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Unknown Bacteria

    • 1076 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Having the ability to collect and identify unknown microorganisms is vital in health and medicine. This capability is important for a variety of reasons, such as knowing the causative agent of disease, knowing if the microorganism obtains any beneficial properties and knowing the correct microorganism to use to create a successful antibiotic. Implementing the experimental methods learned thus far in the microbiology laboratory allowed an unknown bacterium to be identified as a result of this study. This study allows the student to exercise their ability to use and understand sterile techniques, transmission, and prevention of microorganisms.…

    • 1076 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Unknown Bacteria

    • 445 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Identifying Unknown Bacteria Using Biochemical and Molecular Methods Beginning of Instructor Pages Instructor Pages - - 3 Purpose The purpose of this lab is to introduce a variety of lab techniques to students working on the common problem of identifying an unknown bacterium. This lab helps students develop an understanding of the biochemical and molecular differences in bacteria and introduces the concept of identifying species based on characeristic gene sequences. Students work through two types of identification procedures, one classical and one involving DNA sequencing, then compare the results of the two methods.…

    • 445 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Gram Stain Lab Report

    • 454 Words
    • 2 Pages

    When I received my slant culture, I immediately made a streak plate and started the Gram Stain protocol1. In the first two slides, I made and stained, my results were ambiguous. Without putting the slide into the microscope, I noticed one was pink and the other purple. To resolve it, I discarded my slides and started again and was extremely careful in proceeding the Gram Stain. I concluded that my unknown A was gram-negative bacilli. Using the dichotomous key for gram-negative bacilli I started the protocol for the lactose test2 which would help me determine which test to conduct next to narrow down list of possible bacteria. I conducted the protocol for MR test3 and citrate test4 the same day as the lactose test to speed up the process of elimination. With conducting the MR. Citrate and Lactose test all in the same day, I learned that time management was a big deal and I learned quick and caught up with the class. The next class I observed my lactose tube and my results were AG, yellow with bubbles. The…

    • 454 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays