Question

Why is it important to know the incubation conditions of a culture when examining its morphology?

Answer 1

Knowledge of incubation conditions of a culture is important to examine its morphology because incubation conditions directly affect the morphological characters. For example:

- Morphology may be affected by the temperature at which the bacteria is incubated. Some bacteria grow better at body temperature and grow weakly at room temperature, or vice versa.

- Some bacteria express certain characteristics, such as the formation of pigment, more strongly at some temperatures than at others.

- The length of time for which the bacteria is incubated may also affect colonial characteristics such as colony size.

- Also, if the initial inoculum is too concentrated or too diluted, colonial morphology can be affected.

- Different types of media, which contain different nutrients, can affect the morphological characteristics of bacteria. Some types of media are much more nutritive and will encourage hearty growth. Some types of media may restrict growth.