Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I was wondering for the project UV death rays and how they affect E-coli K12 bacteria, Can you use any other kind of bacteria? Like perhaps one more readily available?

Hi,

I would not recommend using any other bacteria. E coli K12 has been adapted for lab use and is harmless to humans and the environment. It is readily available from Carolina Bio: http://www.carolina.com/bacteriophage-h ... e+coli+k12

E coli is a common bacterium that inhabits the human intestine and it has been studied thoroughly for many years. That is why it is such a good test organism.

Sybee

Hello there,

I agree with the previous expert. E. coli is probably as most readily available as it could get in terms of microbes that people work with. As SciB mentioned, E. coli is harmless and hence, there isn't as many biosafety precautions to work with it as with pathogenic bacteria. However, you should still take a look at the Science Buddies Microorganisms Safety Guide (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... fety.shtml) just so you know how to safely handle the bacteria as you work with them and how to dispose of them. If you want another option, Bacillus subtilis is another bacterium which, very much like E. coli, is harmless, easy to work with, and used often as a model microorganism. That can also be purchased from Carolina Biologicals.

Let us know if you have anymore questions!

Connie