Culture of microorganisms

Spread Plate Technique

No items found.

Learn how to prepare a spread plate by following a stepwise virtual lab protocol. Explore good aseptic technique, lid positioning, spread technique and sterilisation of an L-shaped spreader. Review the results of the spread plate.

Request a demo

See skills

arrow_downward

Learning outcomes

Familiarise yourself with the equipment required to prepare a spread plate
Perform the spread plate technique, focussing on key steps required to achieve an even distribution of bacteria across the entire plate
Understand the precautions that must be taken to ensure you work safely and with good aseptic technique

No items found.

chevron_left

chevron_right

Skills

Using Instruments and Equipment

What equipment is required to spread bacteria on an agar plate
Why plates should be labelled on their base and what it should detail
How to flame the neck of the culture bottle and spreader
How to transfer and spread a bacterial culture onto an agar plate
Why working under a bunsen burner and flaming the neck of the culture bottle helps reduce contamination
How to handle the equipment to reduce the risk of contamination
Why the spreader should not be used to spread bacteria while it is hot

Obtaining and Recording Data

Why the bacteria must be evenly spread across the agar plate
Why the sample should be spread immediately after it has been transferred
Why plates should be placed upside down in the incubator

Working in a Safe Manner

Why care must be taken when flaming the neck of the bottle
How to reduce the risk of burning yourself when sterilising the spreader

Learn more about our approach to skills

Prof Nicky King

University of Exeter

“Over 95% [of students] said they’d recommend them to a friend and that they wanted these resources across all the modules they were studying. So, they clearly had a really positive impact on the student experience.”

Details

Degrees

Biochemistry

Biomedical science

Forensic science

Pharmacological science

Biological science

Modules

Molecular biology & genetics

Microbiology

Topic

Culture of microorganisms

Purchase option

Bioscience LabSim Library

Related products

Culture of microorganisms

Pour Plate Technique

LabSim

Culture of microorganisms

Streak Plate Technique

LabSim

Identification of microorganisms

Gram Stain

LabSim

Identification of microorganisms

Prepare a Smear Slide

LabSim

What are LabSims?

Our virtual lab simulations enhance student learning by building confidence in practical skills.

Enhance student skills and accelerate learning with multiple opportunities to practise
Boost confidence and competency with enhanced support and personalised feedback
Engage and motivate with enjoyable, challenging learning experiences

LabSim product page

What are Smart Worksheets?

Online, autograded assessment tool for advanced data analysis and calculation practice

Improve the student experience of assessment with immediate, targeted feedback
Save academic time by minimising repetitive marking for staff
Gain immediate insight into student progress with individual performance data

Smart Worksheets product page

Integrate with your LMS

Our products integrate with all major learning platforms, including Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Sakai and Brightspace or without any LMS using our LearnSci Direct Platform.

Learn more about LearnSci Direct.

See how our resources can enhance your student experiences

Try our resources for free
Get a live demonstration of our products
Become a partner and join our community
Talk to our team of experts

Request a demo

Image of a smiling student with a microscope