5: Section Five - Factors Affecting Microbial Growth

 

Microbial growth can be impacted by a variety of factors including temperature, pH, and the presence of antimicrobial agents. Structural differences in microorganisms cause them to respond to these factors differently. These differences can be used to classify and characterize the microorganisms we work with in the lab. Knowing how such factors affect bacteria also helps microbiologists understand what conditions are required to encourage growth for study, as well as how to alter those conditions and make environments less conducive to microbial growth. In this section, you will explore how temperature, pH, and antiseptics/disinfectants affect microbial growth. You will also examine a clinically important procedure, known as the antimicrobial sensitivity test (Kirby-Bauer method), that aids in the selection of antimicrobials for treatment of infections in patients.

 

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