Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi
I am doing an experiment on collecting bacteria on foods before and after it is microwaved, to see the effect. I need to know how to collect the bacteria samples. I hav containers to put it in, but I won't be able to send it to a lab because I don't need to know what the bacteria is or if it's harmful. If I roll a swab on the food and put it in the container, will the bacteria grow inside? Will I be able to see it? If it will, how long will it be until I can see it? I need to know soon.
Thanks,
Katie

Hi,

Science Buddies has some great information on how to deal with bacteria. Take a look at the 'Microbiology' section on this page: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... l?From=Tab (lower right). Read through those procedures and then if you have any other questions, feel free to let us know!

Hi Katie,

You have a very interesting project! As Melissa pointed out, Science Buddies has excellent information about how to collect and grow bacteria. You may not be able to identify what types of bacteria you are growing, but you should be able to tell if microwaving reduces or increases the amount of bacteria on your food.

To gather your bacteria, you would roll a swab on the food, and then gently rub the swab onto your agar plate. Once you have swabbed your sample onto the agar plate, bacteria will grow overnight if incubated at 37C (99F), or over several days if incubated at room temperature. You should also do a couple of control plates: one on which you do not swab anything, to make sure that you do not have contamination on your plates, and one on which you swab some bacteria that you know should grow (for example, from the inside of your mouth), to make sure your plates are providing a good place for bacteria to grow.

Once you have checked out the Science Buddies information, please let us know if you have more questions.

Good luck!

Heather