A student observes a researcher streaking a plate numerous times, flaming the loop between streaks. The researcher is likely using the ___________ method to isolate microorganisms.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is asking about a microbiological technique used to isolate microorganisms on an agar plate.
2. Recall that streaking a plate multiple times with flaming of the loop between streaks is a common practice to dilute the microbial sample progressively.
3. Identify that flaming the loop between streaks sterilizes the loop, preventing carryover of too many microorganisms and allowing for dilution.
4. Recognize that this technique is known as the streak plate method, which is used to obtain isolated colonies from a mixed culture.
5. Conclude that the blank in the sentence should be filled with 'streak plate' method, as it best describes the described procedure.

Key Concepts

Streak Plate Method

The streak plate method is a microbiological technique used to isolate pure bacterial colonies by spreading a loopful of culture over the surface of an agar plate in a pattern that thins out the sample. This dilution across the plate allows individual cells to grow into separate colonies.

Flaming the Loop

Flaming the loop involves sterilizing the inoculating loop by passing it through a flame before each streak. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures that fewer bacteria are transferred in subsequent streaks, aiding in the isolation of single colonies.

Isolation of Microorganisms

Isolation is the process of separating a single type of microorganism from a mixed culture to obtain pure colonies. This is essential for studying specific microbial characteristics and for accurate identification and analysis.