An easily constructed apparatus that models the effect of penicillin on the structure of bacterial cells is described. Background information and procedures for using the apparatus during a classroom demonstration are included. (JN)

The author offers laboratory procedures for experiments using the bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which causes crown gall disease in a large number of plants. Three different approaches to growing a culture are given. (SA)

Describes the use of student-made photomicrographs as a source of student motivation and as a means for review of laboratory exercises in an introductory microbiology course. Includes an evaluation of this teaching method. (Author/MA)

Suspensions of 20 different cultures were grown on appropriate media, then pipetted into sterile anhydrous silica gel. Silica gel cultures after incubation and refrigerated storage were tested for viability. Results showed little mutation, low replication, low contamination, minimal expenses, and survival up to two years. (CS)

Discusses microbial production of methane from biomass. Topics include methogens (bacteria producing methane), ecology of methanogenesis, methanogenesis in ruminant/nonruminant and other environments, role of methanogenesis in nature, and methane production in sewage treatment plants. Also discusses construction of methane digesters (and related…