Streak Plate

A common method for the isolation of a pure culture from a mixture is by "streaking" plates. The inoculum is streaked over the agar surface to isolate colonies on at least a portion of the plate. Ideal results require that only a small amount of inoculum be used and that the surface of the plate be free of droplets of condensed moisture. Unless well isolated colonies are obtained, the plate is useless. Pure cultures can be obtained by picking well isolated colonies and restreaking these on fresh agar plates. Biochemical tests to identify bacteria are only valid when performed on pure cultures.

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