What is a petri dish?
A petri dish is a shallow cylindrical round plastic or glass used in the laboratory to grow different microorganisms and cells. To study microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses under large numbers of observations, it is important to isolate them from other species or elements. In other words, petri dishes are used to support the growth of microorganisms. One of the most effective methods is by means of media in suitable containers. Petri dishes are the best choice for culture plates.
The dish was invented by a German bacteriologist named Julius Richard Petri. Not surprisingly, the Petri dish was named after him. Since its invention, the petri dish has become one of the most important laboratory equipment. In this science equipment article, we'll learn more about how a petri dish can be used as a science equipment lab and its various uses.
petri dish
Why use petri dishes in the lab?
Petri dishes are mainly used as laboratory equipment in the fields of biology and chemistry. This dish is used to grow cells by providing storage space and preventing contamination of the cells. Since the cell culture dishes are transparent, it is easy to clearly observe the growth stages of the microorganisms. The size of the petri dish allows it to be placed directly under the microscope for observation without transferring it to a microplate. At a basic level, petri dishes are used in schools and universities for activities such as watching seeds germinate.
How to Use Petri Dish Effectively in the Lab
Before using a petri dish, it is important to ensure that it is absolutely clean and free of any particles that could affect the experiment. You can ensure this by treating each used dish with bleach and sanitizing it for further use. Make sure to sterilize the petri dishes before use.
To observe bacterial growth, first fill the plate with agar medium (prepared with red algae to help). The agar medium contains nutrients, blood, salts, indicators, antibiotics, etc. that help the growth of microorganisms. Continue to invert the Petri dish in the refrigerator. When you need plates, take them out of the refrigerator and use them once they have returned to room temperature.
Then take a sample of bacteria or any other microbe and slowly pour it over the culture, or use a cotton swab to apply it to the culture in a zig-zag pattern. Make sure you're not putting too much pressure on it, as this can ruin the culture.
When done, close the Petri dish lid. Store at about 37ºC for a few days and let it grow. After a few days, your sample will be ready for further study.
