The American Society for Microbiology.

Abstract

The lab exercise assumes basic knowledge of prokaryotes (structure, function, metabolism, and respiration) and the functions and limitations of enzymes. Building upon this knowledge and using guided prompts, students brainstorm how to create an agar on which only coliform bacteria will grow and how to differentiate between Escherichia coli and other coliforms based on their enzymes. Finally, students filter surface water and place it on media that differentiates E. coli from other coliforms using an enzyme unique to E. coli. The resulting data are used to determine if the water meets the Minnesota state standards for safe swimming or drinking water. Core Themes Addressed Microbial Cell Biology