Which plating method typically results in isolated colonies forming in distinct sectors on an agar plate?

• A. Pour plate method
• B. Replica plating method
• C. Streak plate method
• D. Spread plate method

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of each plating method: the goal is to isolate individual bacterial colonies for further study.
2. Recall that the streak plate method involves spreading a loopful of bacteria across the surface of an agar plate in a pattern that thins out the sample, leading to isolated colonies.
3. Recognize that the streak plate method creates distinct sectors on the agar plate where bacteria are progressively diluted, allowing colonies to form separately.
4. Contrast this with the pour plate method, where bacteria are mixed into molten agar and poured into a plate, resulting in colonies throughout the medium rather than distinct sectors.
5. Note that the spread plate method spreads bacteria evenly over the surface, and replica plating transfers colonies from one plate to another, neither typically producing isolated colonies in distinct sectors like the streak plate method.