What is a Petri Dish and How to Use It?
A petri dish is a small shallow transparent dish with a lid that is mainly used in biological experiments for the culture of cells. For instance, in microbiological experiments, a petri dish is used as a container to grow microbes with growth media in it. It is derived from the name of its inventor, German bacteriologist Julius Richard Petri. It is also called a Petri plate or culture plate.
petridish
The petri dish was developed by Petri in 1887 while working as an assistant to Robert Koch, the renowned German microbiologist. Petri improved the old method of growing bacteria in test tubes or flasks by creating a shallow, flat dish for easy observation and manipulation of bacterial colonies. In 1929, penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming when he noticed that mold that had contaminated a bacterial culture in a petri dish had killed the bacteria all around it.
Types of Petri Dishes
Petri dishes can be classified based on different criteria, such as shape, material, usability, and features. Here are some common types of petri dishes:
Based on shape: Petri dishes are usually cylindrical, with diameters ranging from 30 to 200 millimeters. Square and rectangular-shaped petri dishes are also available.
Based on material: Petri dishes can be made from glass or plastic. Glass petri dishes are usually made from borosilicate glass, and are transparent and reusable. Plastic petri dishes are usually made from polystyrene or polycarbonate, and are lighter and disposable.
Based on usability: Petri dishes can be either reusable or disposable, depending on the type of material they are made of. Reusable petri dishes are durable and can withstand repeated sterilization procedures. Disposable petri dishes are less expensive and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Based on features: Petri dishes may have different features that enhance their functionality and convenience. Some examples are:
Vented or partitioned petri dishes for aerobic or anaerobic use.
Rings or slots on their lids and bases to prevent sliding or sticking.
Protruding base that can be secured on a microscope stage for direct examination.
Grids printed on the bottom to help in measuring the density of cultures.
Uses of Petri Dishes
Petri dishes are widely used in various fields of science, such as biology, microbiology, chemistry, and medicine. They have many applications and purposes, such as:
Culturing cells: Petri dishes are used to grow cells in a solid or semisolid medium that provides nutrients and other factors for their growth and development. For example, bacteria, fungi, algae, plant cells, animal cells, stem cells, etc.
Observing cells: Petri dishes allow for easy observation of cells under a microscope or other instruments. They also enable the study of cell morphology, behavior, interactions, responses, etc.
Storing samples: Petri dishes can be used to store samples in liquid or granular form or small objects like insects and seeds.
Evaporating and drying samples: Petri dishes can be used to evaporate solvents. or dry samples by exposing them to air or heat.
Testing substances: Petri dishes can be used to test the effects of different substances on cells or samples. For example, antibiotics, chemicals, drugs, etc.
Performing experiments: Petri dishes can be used to conduct various experiments and demonstrations in science. For example, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, chromatography, etc.
Fun Facts about Petri Dishes
Petri dishes are not only useful but also fascinating. Here are some fun facts about petri dishes that you may not know:
The largest petri dish ever made was 1.5 meters in diameter and contained 8 liters of agar. It was used by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to create a giant bacterial art installation in 2016.
The smallest petri dish ever made was 3 millimeters in diameter and contained 0.5 microliters of agar. It was used by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley to create a microfluidic device for culturing single cells in 2010.
The most expensive petri dish ever sold was the one that contained the original penicillin mold culture grown by Alexander Fleming in 1928. It was auctioned for $14,617 in 2014.
The most artistic petri dish ever created was the one that won the first prize in the 2015 Agar Art Contest organized by the American Society for Microbiology. It was made by Melanie Sullivan from the University of Pittsburgh and depicted a sunset over the ocean using different types of bacteria.
The most famous petri dish ever featured in a movie was the one that appeared in the 1993 film Jurassic Park. It contained dinosaur DNA extracted from amber and was used to clone dinosaurs for the park.
Conclusion
Petri dishes are essential tools for scientific research and education. They have many types, uses, and features that make them versatile and convenient. They also have a rich history and culture that make them interesting and fun. However, petri dishes also require proper handling and care to ensure their quality and safety. Here are some tips on how to use petri dishes properly and safely:
Always wear gloves, goggles, and lab coats when working with petri dishes.
Always label your petri dishes with your name, date, and contents.
Always sterilize your petri dishes before and after use by autoclaving, flaming, or using disinfectants.
Always dispose of your petri dishes in biohazard bags or containers.
Always follow the instructions and protocols for your specific experiment or application.
FAQs
What is the difference between a petri dish and a culture dish?
A petri dish is a type of culture dish that has a lid and is usually transparent. A culture dish is a general term for any dish that is used to grow cells or samples.
How do you pronounce petri dish?
The correct pronunciation of petri dish is /ˈpiːtri dɪʃ/ or /ˈpeɪtri dɪʃ/. The first syllable rhymes with "see" or "pay", and the second syllable rhymes with "fish".
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Petri dish bacteria
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Petri dish antibiotic test
Petri dish blood agar
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Petri dish Sabouraud agar
Petri dish Mannitol salt agar
Petri dish Eosin methylene blue agar
Petri dish Mueller-Hinton agar
Petri dish potato dextrose agar
Petri dish tryptic soy agar
Petri dish Luria broth agar
Petri dish X-gal agar
Petri dish CLED agar
Petri dish Columbia agar
Petri dish Thayer-Martin agar.
How do you spell petri dish?
The correct spelling of petri dish is with a lowercase "p" and a space between the words. The word "petri" is derived from the name of Julius Richard Petri, but it is not capitalized as it is not a proper noun.
How long can you keep a petri dish?
The shelf life of a petri dish depends on several factors, such as the type of material, medium, cells, storage conditions, etc. Generally, glass petri dishes can last longer than plastic ones, solid media can last longer than liquid ones, and refrigerated or frozen petri dishes can last longer than room temperature ones. However, it is advisable to use your petri dishes as soon as possible after preparation or purchase to avoid contamination or degradation.
Where can you buy a petri dish?
You can buy a petri dish from various sources, such as online retailers, scientific suppliers, hobby stores, etc. However, before buying a petri dish, you should consider your needs and preferences, such as the size, shape, material, usability, features, price , and quality of the petri dish. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the seller and the product before buying a petri dish.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about petri dishes. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for your time and attention. 44f88ac181
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