Microbiology Question...

[microbiologygal]

I'm doing the science fair topic "What duration of UV light exposure is need to kill bacteria in culture plates?" It's a great project idea I got from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... w&from=TSW but I just had a few questions about it. Mostly about materials really. My uncle is a science teacher as well as a biologist, and he said I wouldn't need the incubator as I'm not growing the bacteria; I'm purchasing it and only using the bacteria for about a half hour or so. Also, I've researched online where to buy the E. Coli (strain k-12) and can't find any strains that are affordable. I found one that was the right strain, but it was $240-$2000 WAY OUT OF MY PRICE RANGE! The material list said that this would cost a total of $50-$100 which I can handle. But $2000 just for the bacteria is way too much for me. Also, since I'm doing my experiment a little differently, I'm not using the UVC or germicidal light that this project suggested. I'm going to either use a long-wave black light or a flourescent combo so you can still see some visible light. Any suggestions? Thanks so much!

[barretttomlinson]

Hi,

You should check out Carolina Biological Supply Company, as they have sold other students the E. coli k-12 you seek. Their price for a culture is $9.20, according to their website.
http://www.carolina.com/product/escheri ... estMatches#

Here is a discussion thread from another student with our experts that I think you will find has lots of relevant information in it:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... =28&t=4508

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

Barrett Tomlinson