Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth

Measuring Growth by Plate Counts

Microbiology

10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth

Measuring Growth by Plate Counts

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Multiple Choice

What must be assumed when using the plate counting method for measuring microbial growth?

A single cell is formed from a colony on each plate.

Each colony that you count on a plate is formed from a group of cells that you must average after.

Each colony that you count on a plate is formed from a single cell.

Each colony forming unit (CFU) you count is formed from multiple cells.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the plate counting method: This method is used to estimate the number of viable microorganisms in a sample by counting the number of colonies formed on an agar plate.

Recognize the concept of a colony: In microbiology, a colony is a visible mass of microorganisms all originating from a single mother cell, meaning they are genetically identical.

Identify the assumption: The key assumption in the plate counting method is that each colony arises from a single viable cell. This is crucial for accurately estimating the number of cells in the original sample.

Consider the term Colony Forming Unit (CFU): CFU is used to express the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample. It assumes that each colony originates from a single cell, although in reality, some colonies may arise from clusters of cells.

Evaluate the implications: If the assumption that each colony comes from a single cell is incorrect, it could lead to an overestimation or underestimation of the microbial population in the sample.