Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes: Bacteria, mutations & lab testing

 

Determining the presence of bacteria – either to know some cells are present or to target a specific number – requires growth and growth using a culture-based method is expressed by an increase in cells and/or biomass. The basis of many techniques is taking extremely low levels of various microbial types in a sample, and with the provision of suitable nutrients, atmosphere and temperature, enabling these cells to multiply up to levels that are high enough to count or identify.

To sustain microorganisms in the laboratory setting, subculturing is required. Uncontrolled subculturing can lead to temporary variations or to mutations occurring. This can affect the phenotypic properties or genetic nature of the cell.

How do these variations and mutations occur and why do they matter? Turn and face the strange...This week’s article considers culturing, culture media, subculturing, variations and mutations and what the implications are.

To read see: Mutations

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

Ref: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ch-ch-ch-ch-changes-bacteria-mutations-lab-testing-tim-z9bze/?published=t