Bi 6 Biotechnology for Everyone, Laboratory

Microorganisms in the Environment

Microorganisms are found everywhere – in the environment and in our bodies. Even the most
unlikely places on earth – like thermal vents, the saltiest seas and the coldest regions – harbor
microorganisms too small to be seen by the naked eye. Only the inner, healthy tissues of plants and
animals are free of microorganisms. In this exercise, you will examine samples of microorganisms
found in your surroundings and will attempt to grow them in laboratory media.

Objectives:
At the end of the exercise, you should be able to:
1. realize the ubiquity of microorganisms; and
2. learn how microorganisms are grown in the laboratory.

Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering

Ateneo de Manila University
Bi 6 Biotechnology for Everyone, Laboratory

Exercise 6. Microorganisms in the Environment

Name:___________________________________________ Date: _______________________

Group No.: _______________________________________ Instructor: ___________________

Materials:
Nutrient agar (NA) plates

Potato Dextrose agar (PDA) plates

Procedure:
1. For every group, obtain NA plate and PDA plate.
2. Expose NA and PDA plates in your assigned areas for 10 min.
3. Incubate the exposed NA upside down at 37°C for 24 h and the exposed PDA at room
temperature for 5 days. Plates are 
 incubated upside down to prevent condensed moisture on
the lid from dripping on the agar below. The added moisture would cause colonies of bacteria
to merge (hence separate colonies are not produced). After the incubation period, refrigerate
the plates to prevent the colonies from expanding.
4. Take a photo of the obverse and reverse side of the microbial colonies.

Guide Questions:
1. What microorganisms may be found in the air or in the environment around us?
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Figure 6.1 ___________ Figure 6.2 ___________

Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering

Ateneo de Manila University