Microbiology Practice Test: Pure Cultures and Cultural Characteristics — Flashcards

Pure Cultures and Cultural Characteristics topics include: Selective methods, pure cultures and cultural characteristics.

A pure culture is a laboratory culture that contains only one species of organisms. A pure culture is free of all other microorganisms, including other cells of the same organism. However, most pure cultures will have the same general biochemical characteristics as the original organism. 
A pure culture may originate from a single cell or single organism, in which case the cells are genetic clones of one another. A pure culture can be derived from a mixed culture through the transfer of a bit of its sample in the new and sterile growth medium. 
In biotechnology, the pure culture technique involves diluting a sample and then adding a little amount of it to an agar plate. The sample is then spread over the agar surface evenly. After the colonies grow, the number of colonies is counted and the original number of bacteria in the sample is counted. 

Cultural characteristics can include:
Assumptions, prejudices, stereotypes, and expectations of others
Reward or status systems
Migration patterns and geographic location
Concepts of sanction and punishment
Rites of initiation
Common history and traditions
Common values and principles
Common purpose and sense of mission
Common symbols, boundaries, status, language, and rituals