In this lab, we will attempt to isolate soil bacteria, algae and fungi. This lab introduces two new types of media. Rose bengal agar contains a bacterial inhibitor, and is selective for fungi. Actinomycetes and fungi often have similar outward appearances to the naked eye. However, the differences between the two are easily seen under the microscope.
Fungi have larger cells with nuclei, while actinomycetes have smaller cells without nuclei.
Streaking soil samples for isolation. 2 Nutrient agar plates. 2 Rose bengal agar plates. 2 Starch casein agar plates. 1 Pipette bulb or pump.