microbial ecology(1).docx

**NAME:** **INDEX NUMBER:** **PROGRAMME:** BSC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES **COURSE:** BIOL 252 **TITLE:** THE UBIQUITOUS NATURE OF MICROORGANISMS **GROUP**: TWO **BATCH:** ONE **BENCH**: ONE **DATE:** 28^TH^ MAY 2024 **TITLE:** BACTERIA IS UBIQUITOUS **INTRODUCTION** Bacteria are single celled m...

**NAME:** **INDEX NUMBER:** **PROGRAMME:** BSC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES **COURSE:** BIOL 252 **TITLE:** THE UBIQUITOUS NATURE OF MICROORGANISMS **GROUP**: TWO **BATCH:** ONE **BENCH**: ONE **DATE:** 28^TH^ MAY 2024 **TITLE:** BACTERIA IS UBIQUITOUS **INTRODUCTION** Bacteria are single celled microorganisms that are ubiquitous meaning they exist everywhere on earth. (Finlay, Esteban,2001). They inhabit a variety of environments including soil, water, plants, animals and even extreme conditions such as hot springs and the deep sea. Bacteria play vital roles in ecosystems, aiding in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and forming symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Despite their microscopic size, their global presence and significant ecological impact underscore the fact that bacteria are a fundamental component of the life on earth. Moreover, their resilience allows them to thrive in environments deemed inhospitable to larger life forms, showcasing their capacity for survival in extreme conditions. Understanding the ubiquity of bacteria is essential for comprehending ecological dynamics, human health and biotechnological applications. Culture media are substances used to cultivate and grow microorganisms in laboratory settings. (Tankeshwar Acharya (2021). Nutrient agar, general purpose medium, supports the growth of bacteria, while potato dextrose agar promotes the growth of fungi and molds. **MATERIALS AND METHODS** - Three main equipment were needed to complete the experiment: petri dishes, masking tape, and an incubator. At first, there were two plates labeled A and B: plate A was the nutrient agar (NA) and plate B was the potato dextrose agar (PDA). After opening and exposing both plates inside the laboratory for 5 mins, the plates were closed. - Additionally, plates labelled C and D were also opened and exposed to air outside the lab for about 5 mins and were closed. - Plates E and F were also labelled, soil was collected from outside and a pinch of soil was pulverized between the index finger and the thumb and sprinkled on the surface of both plates and closed. - Also, two plates labelled G and H were provided with five pieces each of small fragments of fresh green leaves and were closed. - Following the labelling of plates I and J, some dried, rotting plant material was gathered, chopped into small fragments and five pieces were placed on each plate surface. - Additionally, the control experiments were performed on two plates with the labels Y and Z. following that, all plates were gathered and incubated by inverting at 37C for 24 and 48 hours. - The nutrient agar (NA) was taken out and recorded after 24 hours, while the potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates were taken out and recorded after 48 hours. - Results were recorded in the table below: **RESULTS** -------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------ PLATE NUMBER CULTURE MEDIUM RESULT(GROWTH/NO GROWTH) AFTER 24 HOURS AT 37C RESULT(GROWTH/NO GROWTH) AFTER 48 HOURS AT 37C Plate A Nutrient agar Growth Plate B Potato dextrose agar No growth Plate C Nutrient agar Growth Plate D Potato dextrose agar Growth Plate E Nutrient agar Growth Plate F Potato dextrose agar Growth Plate G Nutrient agar Growth Plate H Potato dextrose agar Growth Plate I Nutrient agar Growth Plate J Potato dextrose agar Growth Plate Y Nutrient agar Growth Plate Z Potato dextrose agar No growth -------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------ **TABLE 2.0** ---------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- CHARACTERISTIC BACTERIUM A BACTERIUM B BACTERIUM C BACTERIUM D Colony shape Circular Punctiform Irregular Circular Elevation Flat Raised Flat Convex Margin Even Wavy Lobate Even Texture Smooth Smooth Rough Smooth Colour Creamy white Creamy white Creamy white Creamy white Opacity Translucent Translucent Opaque Opaque ---------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- **TABLE 3.0** ---------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- CHARACTERISTIC FUNGI A FUNGI B FUNGI C Colony shape Filamentous Rhizoid Filamentous Elevation Raised Raised Flat Margin Filamentous Filamentous Even Texture Rough Wrinkled Rough Color White Black Green Opacity Translucent Opaque Opaque ---------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- **DISCUSSION** The results presented in Table 1.0, Table 2.0 and Table 3.0 provide a fascinating insight into the growth and characteristics of different bacterial colonies and fungi. The experiment observed bacterial growth patterns over 48 hours at a temperature of 37C. Some plates showed more growth than others after 24 hours, possibly due to a longer bacterial lag phase or slower growth rate. Controlled plates Y showed growth, suggesting potential contamination, inadequate sterilization, improper storage or human error. While controlled Z showed no growth, suggesting careful handling and sterilization of all working materials. Moving on to table 2.0, it describes the morphological characteristics of four different bacteria (A, B, C, D). All four exhibits diversity which is evident in their different characteristics. This diversity may be a result of their genetic make-up and also some change forms as they adapt to the environment. Bacteria A, B, C has smooth texture suggesting that they might produce extracellular polymeric substances which give them a smooth texture. Bacteria D has irregular and rough texture indicating the absence of certain polysaccharides on the cell surface which might give it a rough texture. Bacterium B is also punctiform indicating that it might be a slow-growing bacteria. Some reasons why bacteria might not grow on agar after incubation are temperature, humidity, nutrient availability pH and oxygen levels. Lastly the choice of culture media can influence the characteristics of the bacteria. **CONCLUSION** Bacteria are ubiquitous due to their adaptability, resilience, and ability to survive in diverse environments. **REFERENCES** Limnetica.com, limnetica 20(1): 31-43 (2001) https://microbeonline.com