microbes

• What are bacteria classified as?

  A type of microorganism
• How are bacteria structured?

  Each bacterium is made up of one cell
• What are the two types of bacteria based on their effects on humans?

  Harmful and useful bacteria
• How many bacterial cells inhabit the human digestive system?

  One hundred trillion
• What is the process by which bacteria reproduce?

  Binary fission
• What type of reproduction is binary fission?

  Asexual reproduction
• Under what conditions can bacteria reproduce quickly?

  In the right conditions
• How quickly can some bacteria replicate themselves?

  In as little as twenty minutes
• What is used to grow bacteria in a laboratory setting?

  Plates of agar jelly
• What conditions are needed for bacteria to grow in an incubator?

  Time, nutrients, and optimum temperature
• At what temperature did the students set their incubator?

  Just under 30 degrees centigrade
• What did the students swab to investigate bacteria growth?

  Their personal possessions
• What was the purpose of having a control in the experiment?

  To show no bacteria growth without samples
• What was the result of the control sample?

  No bacteria growth
• What did the students find on their headphones?

  A few speckles of bacteria
• What was the students' reaction to the bacteria found on earrings?

  They gasped in disgust
• What did Jon Chase say about everyday objects?

  They harbor all types of bacteria
• What is the process of culturing bacteria in a lab?

  • Swab personal items
  • Spread bacteria on agar plates
  • Incubate at optimal temperature
  • Observe growth results
• What follow-up activities can students do after the experiment?

  • Investigate effects of antibiotics
  • Create models of bacterial cells
  • Repeat the swabbing and culturing experiment
• What are the educational levels relevant for this material?

  • KS3 and KS4 in England
  • National 4/5 in Scotland
• What are some other topics covered in Biology Bites?

  • Aerobic respiration
  • Photosynthesis
  • Enzymes and active sites
  • Factors affecting germination
  • Microscopy
  • Mitosis and osmosis raps