SACE ID: 634125J

Name: Felix Bekkers

Microbiology Study Part A – Deconstruction Practical Homeclass: 11 WONJ
Felix Bekkers
“How do external factors influence bacterial growth?”
Deconstruction:
The deconstruction below, represented by figure 1.1, is used to analyse the question “How do external factors influence
bacterial growth?” This deconstruction will explore the various aspects relevant to the question as well as design a considered
and clear biological practical. The deconstruction has also obtained valuable information regarding the question, such as what
external factors should be used to influence bacterial growth, what bacteria is suitable, and the safety considerations when
dealing with chemicals and the lab.

Figure 1.1: Deconstruction

created with https://Bubbl.us

The deconstruction has been successful in providing a specialised question. The question is; “How Does Original AQUIM Hand
Sanitiser Compare to Rubbing Alcohol when Influencing the Growth of Bacteria?” Different types of bacteria that are commonly
used on agar plates include many semi fastidious bacteria. These bacteria include some species of Brucella, Corynebacterium,
Listeria, Neisseria, and Vibrio. Hand sanitisers are composed of different alcoholic chemicals, alcohols are organic molecules
made of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen and ethanol is the chemical in alcoholic drinks and is the chemical most people are
thinking of when they say alcohol. Propanol and isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) are two other alcohols that are common in
disinfectants because they're highly soluble in water, just like ethanol. These are the chemicals used in hand sanitisers, and they
are exemptional at killing most bacteria.

Aim:
The aim of this practical investigation is to determine what affect Original AQUIM hand sanitiser and Rubbing Alcohol has on the
growth of bacteria. The inhibition of the growth of bacteria will be monitored at one day intervals. This will allow the effects of
hand sanitiser and generic rubbing alcohol to be observed coherently over the experiment.

Hypothesis:
A suitable hypothesis for this practical would be; ‘AQUIM’s original hand sanitiser will inhibit the growth of bacteria more
effectively than rubbing alcohol.’ As hand sanitiser has a mix of propanol and isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol), and not just a
singular mix of ethanol, it is expected that the hand sanitiser will more effective in the prevention and inhibition of bacterial
growth.

Variables:
Independent Dependent Controlled Out of Control
The bacterial influence that will The zone of inhibition of the The agar plate and coverage of The temperature whilst
be used. The sanitiser and rubbing circle around the original droplet bacteria culture. The agar plate observing the plates will
alcohol. placed on the bacterial agar should be entirely covered with differ and may affect the
plate. Measured with a ruler. bacterial culture. prohibition of bacterial
growth. As an increase
 in temperature will result in
an increase in enzyme
activity, it is likely that if the
temperature is warm than
the bacteria has a better
chance of survival. But if the
temperature is cold, the
methods of inhibition may
become more effective.

The weight of each different The exact amount of bacteria

bacterial influence must be kept inoculated on the agar plate
the same. 1 drop. will differ slightly.
The size of the agar plates.
The time that the bacteria is
exposed to the bacterial
influence.
The general temperature that
the bacteria is stored at.

Safety / Ethical Considerations:

 As the tests are conducted using potentially harmful substances, ensure that any waste products are correctly disposed
of.
 Ensure that no harm comes to the tester by taking appropriate precautionary methods before beginning the
experiment. Utilise PPE including gloves, glasses and aprons.
 Any accidental damage to laboratory property should result in due care and attention, if any equipment is broken whilst
conducting the experiment consult with a teacher or observer and follow their instructions.

Materials:
- 6 Agar Plates (Three for AQUIM and Three Rubbing Alcohol)
- Brucella bacteria to place on Agar Plates. These bacteria spread from animals to humans and commonly found in raw or
unpasteurized dairy products.
- Protective mat
- AQUIM Sanitiser (One drop per plate)
- Rubbing Alcohol (One drop per plate)
- Ruler to measure the effectiveness of each external factor.
- Filter paper.
- Microscope.

Method:
1. Prepare the Agar Plates with the Brucella bacterial culture. This process is called inoculation and requires an eight-step
process. Firstly, prepare a recipe regarding the Brucella bacteria then autoclave the medium for approximately 25
minutes. After this cool the agar mix and then add any supplements if necessary. After this, poor each plate will 30mL of
the agar mix, let is set, then let it dry.
2. Collect the 6 Agar Plates and source a bottle of Aquim original hand sanitiser and a bottle rubbing alcohol. To allow for
consistent results it is important to utilise the same brand of sanitiser and rubbing alcohol.
3. Individually add a drop of each influence by immersing them through filter paper into a hand wash then place it onto
the centre of the plate. The use of filter paper means that each influence will be placed exactly in the centre of each
dish. This will in turn reduce the risk of random error.
4. Wait 120 hours. It is important to give the rubbing alcohol and sanitiser time to affect the bacteria so that the results do
not reflect a false potential for inhibition growth.
5. Record notes regarding the size of the circle that forms around the influence every 24 hours. This can be done with the
use of a small ruler or microscope. Recording notes will ensure that the results will correctly reflect what happened
during each of the tests.
6. Review the notes collected and record them in the results table displayed as figure 1.2. Ensure results are correctly
copied from raw data sheets / notes to the finalised results table.
7. Repeat the process twice more for rubbing alcohol and sanitiser, then average the results collected to minimise the risk
of outlying data.
 8. After each of the experiments, clean the agar plates and dispose of any excess material. This ensures that all waste is
not returned to the environment in a harmful form.

Results Table design (Figure 1.2):

Test 1 Length of Circle 24 Hours 48 Hours 72 Hours 96 Hours 120 Hours
Notes: Around Original
Droplet
Growth AQUIM Original
Influence: Sanitiser
Rubbing Alcohol

Test 2 Length of Circle 24 Hours 48 Hours 72 Hours 96 Hours 120 Hours

Notes Around Original
Droplet
Growth AQUIM Original
Influence: Sanitiser
Rubbing Alcohol

Test 3 Length of Circle 24 Hours 48 Hours 72 Hours 96 Hours 120 Hours

Notes: Around Original
Droplet
Growth AQUIM Original
Influence: Sanitiser
Rubbing Alcohol

Reference List:

(2021) Drinkaware.co.uk. Available at: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/alcoholic-drinks-and-

units/what-is-alcohol-ingredients-chemicals-and-manufacture (Accessed: 12 August 2021).
All About Agar

All About Agar (2021). Available at:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/references/grow-microbes-agar (Accessed:
12 August 2021).
Anon

Australia’s Best Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser | Aqium

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bacteria - Growth of bacterial populations

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Brucellosis - Symptoms and causes

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How does hand sanitizer work?

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How to Make the Perfect Agar Plate Every Time

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Physical Factors that Control Microbial Growth

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Q2 Briefly explain four types of bacteria on basis of their | LIDO

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Show Me the Science – When & How to Use Hand Sanitizer in Community Settings |
Handwashing | CDC
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Two Lysol Disinfectants Effectively Kill Coronavirus from Surfaces, According to the EPA
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