How do you incubate bacteria?

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Tonksie013
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2010 6:03 pm
Occupation: Student 8th Grade
Project Question: Will the exposure, of contaminated baby food, affect the growth of bacteria?
Project Due Date: April 20, 2010
Project Status: I am just starting

How do you incubate bacteria?

Post by Tonksie013 »

For my project I am seeing how much bacteria multiplies depending on the amount of time it is left in the open air. :o However, I need to incubate the bacteria, but I have no idea how to. :cry: I have heard you can use your oven, but i am not sure how accurate that is. :?: Please keep in mind that I DO NOT have access to a high end lab. All input is appreciated. :wink:
Thank you for your time :) ,
Tonksie013
:)~T.~ :)
donnahardy2
Former Expert
Posts: 2671
Joined: Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:45 pm

Re: How do you incubate bacteria?

Post by donnahardy2 »

Hi Tonksie,

An oven with the light on is usually about 32 degrees C, but I don't recommend this because someone will invariable turn the oven on without looking and destroy your science project. Try testing the temperature at the top of the hot water heater, or put a light pump in a box. Try to find a place that is 25 to 35 degrees Centigrade. Over 40 degrees C is definitely too hot. If you don't have a warm place to use, you can incubate at ambient temperature. The bacteria will grow a little more slowly, but they will eventually grow.

What are you doing for your project?

Donna Hardy
kamranban
Posts: 38
Joined: Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:43 pm
Occupation: student 12th grade
Project Question: 1.antibiotic resistance and normal flora
2.changing a idiot rat to genius one.
Project Due Date: n/a
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: How do you incubate bacteria?

Post by kamranban »

Hi
The speed of multiplication of different bacteria differs between species. E.g. bacteria which live in body have higher speed in 37 C degree or we have archi bacteria which are termophilos (they live in very hot places like volcano) . first of all you should clarify which bacteria you are using.

Kamran Banan.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
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