The simplest technique for isolating bacteria is referred to as the:

• A. pour plate method
• B. serial dilution method
• C. streak plate method
• D. spread plate method

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is asking for the simplest technique used to isolate bacteria, which means obtaining individual bacterial colonies separated from each other.
2. Review the common methods for isolating bacteria: the pour plate method, serial dilution method, streak plate method, and spread plate method.
3. 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.
4. Recognize that the pour plate and spread plate methods involve distributing bacteria in or on agar but are generally more complex or require additional steps compared to streak plating.
5. Conclude that the streak plate method is considered the simplest because it requires minimal materials and steps to achieve isolated colonies.