Exercise 1 - Aseptic Technique and Establishing Pure Cultures: The Streak Plate and Culture Transfer

Abstract

Pure cultures facilitate the utilization of microbes in biotechnology as these consist of single species. Biotechnological applications primarily use only pure cultures. Several steps are followed to ensure the purity of a culture used in tests. To perform tests, it is not always necessary to use large amounts of the culture material as these tests can also be performed using streak plates. When working with microbiological procedures, it is important to know aseptic techniques and culture-transfer procedures. Knowledge of aseptic procedures is important as it helps in protecting the biotechnologist from any kind of contamination with the culture, which is always treated as a potential pathogen. This chapter focuses on the use of appropriate laboratory instruments for working with cultures. The streak plate method used for studies is of two kinds—namely, quadrant streak method and continuous streak method. The culture-transfer method that includes proper handling of culture dishes and other equipments is also illustrated in the chapter.