Why are Petri dishes used in laboratory experiments?
Petri dishes are used in laboratory experiments for culturing microorganisms, growing and studying cells, antibiotic sensitivity testing, environmental sampling, and various scientific research purposes.
What are the features of a Petri dish?
Some key features of Petri dishes include the material (glass or plastic), size, sterility, lid transparency, and compatibility with agar.
How are Petri dishes sterilized?
Petri dishes are sterilized using methods such as autoclaving, dry heat sterilization, or gamma irradiation. Pre-sterilized dishes are also available.
Can Petri dishes be reused?
Glass Petri dishes can be reused after thorough cleaning and sterilization. Plastic Petri dishes are designed for one-time use and should be disposed of after use.
What is the role of agar in Petri dishes?
Agar is a gel-like substance added to Petri dishes to provide a nutrient-rich medium for microbial growth. It allows researchers to culture and observe microorganisms.
Are Petri dishes suitable for cell culture techniques?
Yes, Petri dishes are widely used for cell culture techniques, where cells are grown and maintained outside their natural environment for research purposes.
Which size of Petri dish should I choose?
The size of the Petri dish depends on the amount of culture or experiment you need to accommodate. Common sizes range from 90-100 mm in diameter.