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Abstract
Isolation plays a key part in the identification of unknown microorganisms. To be able to successfully identify an unknown microorganism, it is necessary to have single, isolated colonies as references for the tests.
Throughout this report, we will be examining the differences in unknown bacteria types, whether it is Gram Positive or Gram negative and will be looking at ways to distinguish the difference between the various unknown bacteria samples that are going to be used.
The ultimate aim of this experiment is to correctly identify the different types of unknown microorganisms provided to us and differentiate their types. To do this, we will be using 8 different widely know techniques, including the use of streak plate, gram stain and motility assay to determine between Gram Positive and Gram Negative. The use of deep agar plates and cultivation techniques will also be used in aid of identify the actual name of unknown microorganism.



 
Introduction
Microbiology is the study of organisms that are usually too small to be seen with the naked eye and special techniques are adopted to isolate and grow them (Prescott, 2005). It is for this reason that Identification of bacteria is very important in the many areas of microbiology (Singh, 2009).
There are many reasons for identifying an unknown bacterium. The reasons range from medical purposes, such as determining if the unknown could cause ailments in living things or knowing what microorganisms are needed to make antibiotics to other purposes such as knowing the exact microorganism has to be used to make certain foods (Burton, 2003).
Throughout this report we will be addressing the differences in methods of identifying unknown microorganisms and differentiate between the results of these techniques by explaining how each outcome was achieved.
The main aim of these experiments is to determine whether the...