Microbiology & Parasitology

Laboratory Report

Name: Jenneth Chin T. Corvera Date: May 7, 2023

Group No.: 3 Instructor: Janrick B. Inchoco

Part A
Plate Source Estimated Number of Colonies

A1 Air Conditioner N/A

A2 Cough 3

A3 Lobby 9

A4 4th Floor 5

Part B
Plate A1
Observation & Results:
Little to no bacteria have grown in Plate A1 (Source: Air Conditioner). This may
be due to the absence of bacteria collected in the petri dish before it was cultured,
indicating that the proper functioning of the aircon filter has significantly decreased the
chances of catching the microorganisms.

Plate A2

Observation & Results:

The estimated number of colonies grown in Plate A2 (Source: Cough) is 3.
Compared to the other plates, a particular colony of bacteria grown here is noticeably
larger in size as it almost covers the petri dish. The variation of microorganisms that grew
in this petri dish shows that this is a mixed culture.
 Plate A3

Observation & Results:

The estimated number of colonies grown in Plate A3 (Source: Lobby) is 9. Out of
all four plates, this diverse plate has the most number and variations of microorganisms
grown. Not only did bacteria grow on this plate, but a colony of fungus has also
developed. This may be because fungal spores are present in the atmosphere year round,
especially on warm, sunny, and windy days. These spores develop from fungi growing in
the environment on many different substrates. Fungi are able to absorb the nutrients and
the moisture in the agar as they are growing. The variation of microorganisms that grew
in this petri dish shows that this is a mixed culture.
 Plate A4

Observation & Results:

The estimated number of colonies grown in Plate A4 (Source: 4th Floor) is 5.
Interestingly, a square-shaped microorganism has appeared in this petri dish. Currently, it
is uncertain whether this is a bacteria or not. Research suggests that this seems to be a
Haloquadratum walysbi. Haloquadratum (common abbreviation: Hqr.) is a genus of
archaean, belonging to the family, Haloferacaceae. The first species to be identified in
this group, Haloquadratum walsbyi, is unusual in that its cells are shaped like square, flat
boxes. This halophilic archaean, discovered in 1980 by A.E. Walsby in the Gavish
Sabkha was not cultured until 2004. However, further observation and research are
needed to prove this and to determine the exact identity of the irregular-shaped
microorganism shown in this plate. The variation of microorganisms that grew in this
petri dish shows that this is a mixed culture.