Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

how can you prove that the colonies on the culture medium are bacteria, not organisms in other kingdoms?
thanks

Hi zahragirlx,

You can typically identify the different kinds of microorganisms that like to grow on bacterial plates (bacteria, some molds) visually, especially under a dissecting microscope. Yeast usually like to grow on different nutrients and at different temperatures than bacteria, so your most likely potential source of contamination from another kingdom would probably be mold.

Here is a list of microbiology techniques and tips that can help you get started:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ques.shtml

I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions!

Heather