Question

Escherichia coli is a bacteria that requires oxygen for growth. Very briefly describe the conditions needed to grow 5ml of liquid culture of E.coli in the laboratory?

Include 1. Temperature 2. Media 3. Oxygen requirements 4. Glassware 5. Equipment

Answer 1

To grow E.coli liquid culture , temperature should be maintained at room temperature , since , high temperature is observed to inhibit the growth of bacteria . Temperature should be maintained at 37 degree Celsius.

LB medium is used for the culturing . It contains peptides , vitamins , trace elements and minerals required for the growth of bacteria .

E.coli is facultative anaerobic. Hence , it does not require oxygen for growth but it can grow in presence of oxygen.

Glassware should be properly sterilised. Since , they are cultured in flask and plates which if not sterilised , can contaminate the culture .

Equipments - laminar air flow and autoclave . Autoclave is used to maintain conditions while bacterial culture is growing. Laminar air flow is used to provide sterilised environment while culturing or sub culturing the bacterial colony.