View source for Culturing Micro-organisms

==Key Stage 4==
===Meaning===
[[File:CulturingBacteria.png|right|300px|thumb|This picture shows [[micro-organisms]] being '''cultured''' on a [[Culture Medium|culture medium]].]]
'''Culturing Micro-organisms''' is growing [[micro-organism]]s under controlled conditions to produce large numbers of them.

===About Culturing Micro-organisms===
: '''Culturing Micro-organisms''' is used to identify types of [[micro-organism]] when the initial sample has too few [[micro-organisms]] to test.
: [[Micro-organisms]] are '''cultured''' on a [[Culture Medium|culture medium]] which is a source of [[nutrient]]s and [[water]] that the [[micro-organisms]] need to [[growth|grow]] and [[reproduction|reproduce]].
: When '''culturing micro-organisms''' the most important part is not allowing your [[Culture Medium|culture medium]] to be contaminated by other [[micro-organisms]]. To ensure this [[scientist]]s follow an [[Aseptic Technique|aseptic technique]].

===Method===
: 1. Heat an [[Inoculating Loop|inoculating loop]] over a [[Bunsen Burner|bunsen]] flame until it is red hot. This sterilises the [[Inoculating Loop|inoculating loop]]. (Do not place the [[Inoculating Loop|inoculating loop]] down or breath on it as this may contaminate it.)
: 2. Dip the [[Inoculating Loop|inoculating loop]] into a sample of [[micro-organism]]s.
: 3. Slide the lid of the [[Petri Dish|petri dish]] just enough to create space for the [[Inoculating Loop|inoculating loop]] then wipe the [[Inoculating Loop|inoculating loop]] across the top of the [[Culture Medium|culture medium]]. Then replace the lid as quickly as possible. This helps reduce the chance of contamination.
: 4. Tape the sides of the [[Petri Dish|petri dish]] lid down to prevent contamination of the [[Culture Medium|culture medium]], but leave it loose enough that [[air]] can get in to ensure the [[micro-organism]]s get enough [[Oxygen]]. Otherwise only [[anaerobic]] [[micro-organism]]s will grow.
: 5. Label the [[Petri Dish|petri dish]] clearly and incubate at 25°C. Do not incubate at higher [[temperature]]s as this may lead to [[pathogen]]ic [[micro-organism]]s being '''cultured'''.