Ex.

2-3 Growth Patterns on Slants

Student Objective
Upon successful completion of this exercise, the student will be able to
differentiate types of microbial growth on Agar slants.

Student Preparation
Prior to class, the student should
have read page 6568 in MLTA-B.
be able to perform aseptic transfers using a loop.

Lecture Topics
Compare the functions of growing cultures on slants as opposed to plates.
We give an overview of the ways in which growth on slants may differ in appearance.
We also emphasize that the primary goal is to recognize differences in growth and that
terminology is
secondary.
Discuss the importance of the uninoculated control in this exercise.

Answers to Student Questions

1. List some reasons why growth characteristics are more useful on agar plates than on
agar slants.
The main reason is that on agar plates growth is in individual colonies, not confluent as
on slants.
While color and opacity are visible on each, some features, such as elevation, are less
obvious. A second reason is that growth is often affected by neighboring growth. On a
plate, colonies may be located far from other growth; on a slant, everything is crowded.
2. Why are agar slants better suited than agar plates to maintain stock cultures?
Slant cultures do not take up as much room in an incubator/refrigerator and can be
easily stored in a rack. Stacks of plates can be cumbersome.
3. Match the following
Filiform _
_2__
Spreading edge __3__
Transparent
4
Friable
5
Pigmented _
_1__

XER ISE

2-3

1. Produces colored growth

2. Smooth texture with solid edge
3. Solid growth seeming to radiate outward
4. Almost invisible or easy to see light through
5. Rough texture with a crusty appearance