[header] How to grow bacteria in a petri dish [title] Prepare the agar. [step] Agar is the jelly-like substance used to culture bacteria. It is made from a type of red algae, which provides an ideal growing surface for many different types of bacteria.
[header] How to grow bacteria in a petri dish [title] Prepare the agar. [step] Agar is the jelly-like substance used to culture bacteria. It is made from a type of red algae, which provides an ideal growing surface for many different types of bacteria.
Some types of agar contain added nutrients (such as sheep's blood) which help to promote more vigorous bacterial growth. [substeps] The easiest type of agar to use for this experiment is a nutrient agar which comes in powder form. The agar helps the petri dish's water to become warm, filtered, and even emulsified by the bacteria. [substeps] Peel and core 1 large carton of agar and add 2 cups water to a saucepan over medium heat. To prep the agar, you will need to mix your agar. Pour the agar into your petri dish. Either buy a blender or food processor to cut it into tablets. [substeps] The food processor will push the agar to the main counter, and then short through turning it into a paste.