ABSTRACT
The handling and culture of micro-organisms are carried out using aseptic techniques, the primary aims of which are to keep the test microbe in, and other microbes out of, the culture. All apparatus and culture media must be sterilized prior to use, so that it is completely free from microbial contamination. Any equipment that comes into contact with microbes must also be sterilized after use and before disposal. Autoclaving is a very efficient sterilization system since microbial cells are more susceptible to killing by heat when wet and more resistant when dry. Before culturing micro-organisms, choose a clear space for working in and clean it carefully with disinfectant before starting. Microbes show great versatility in adapting to different environmental conditions. However, no one organism can survive all possible conditions, and the prevailing environment does have a profound influence on the growth, development and reproduction of individual species.
