Bacteria have developed a cell-to-cell communication system called quorum sensing (QS), allowing them to regulate group behavior and synchronize the expression of virulence factors, responsible for increasing their infection capacity and resistance to antimicrobials. Although the control of microbial infections through the inhibition of microbial…

The growth and study of lower fungi, especially Oomycetes and Zygomycetes, in the biology classroom are described. (BB)

Background information, list of required materials, and procedures are provided for an immunological assay which has been modified for use as a classroom/laboratory demonstration of antigen-antibody reaction. The assay is designed for a two and one-half hour laboratory period but may be modified for one hour laboratories. (JN)

Errors in determining the effectiveness of mouthwashes, disinfectants, and other household products as antibacterial agents may result from using broth cultures and/or irregularly shaped bits of filter paper. Presents procedures for a better technique and, for advanced students, two additional procedures for introducing quantitative analysis into…

Describes a computer program that students use to check their suggestions of possible lines of investigation during a microbiology exercise, the results of procedures, and the decisions made on the basis of experimental evidence. Effectiveness of the program and practical aspects of the investigation are considered. (DH)

The food preservative sorbic acid can be extracted from Eurasian mountain ash berries (commercially available) and used to show antifungal properties in microbiological investigations. Techniques for extraction, purification, ultraviolet analysis, and experiments displaying antifungal activity are described. A systematic search for similar…

Describes a microbiological experiment designed to study the competition between two species of bacteria. Experimental procedures and data obtained in conducting this experiment are provided, together with a discussion of the results. (JR)

Describes some practical exercises involving the glutamine synthetase enzyme of Beneckea Natriegens. (CS)

Recommendations are made for handling and growth of Beneckea natriegens, a rapidly growing, nonpathogenic marine bacterium which can be used with advantage to replace Escherichia coli in many undergraduate microbiology experiments. Examples of experiments and the potential value of this organism as a subject for student research projects are…

Described is an activity in which students are able to determine that DNA can be transferred between bacteria and should be able to predict the type of DNA transferred. Methods, materials, and results are discussed. (CW)

Describes the study of dung-inhabiting or coprophilous fungi to illustrate basic lab techniques and fundamental ecological concepts. Contains 24 references. (WRM)

Describes five microbiological experiments using the marine organism Vibrio natriegens. This organism is highly suitable for laboratory work because it is non-pathogenic and grows extremely rapidly, having the distinction of the lowest mean generation time yet recorded (9.8 minutes). (JR)

Described is an experiment which uses an autotrophic bacterium to anaerobically oxidize hydrogen sulfide to sulfate in a batch-stirred tank reactor. Discusses background information, experimental procedure, and sample results of this activity. (CW)