Which set of serial dilution plates demonstrates a successful dilution process?

• A. Plates showing an increase in colony count from 10^1 to 10^6 dilutions
• B. Plates with no colonies present at any dilution level
• C. Plates showing a gradual decrease in colony count from 10^1 to 10^6 dilutions
• D. Plates with the same colony count across all dilution levels

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of serial dilution: Serial dilution involves stepwise dilution of a substance in solution, usually by a constant factor, to achieve a range of concentrations.
2. Recognize the expected outcome of a successful serial dilution: As the dilution factor increases, the concentration of the substance decreases, leading to fewer colonies on the plates.
3. Analyze the given options: A successful dilution process should show a gradual decrease in colony count as the dilution factor increases from 10^1 to 10^6.
4. Evaluate the options: Plates showing an increase in colony count or no colonies at all do not demonstrate a successful dilution. Similarly, plates with the same colony count across all dilutions indicate no change in concentration.
5. Conclude that the correct demonstration of a successful dilution process is plates showing a gradual decrease in colony count from 10^1 to 10^6 dilutions.