Expert: Walter Hintz - 3/22/2008

Question
I am interested in finding out what organisms will grow on beef/chicken broth
agar plates. I just tested some things at home for growth and now I want to
know what they might be, in general. Is there a way for me to stain them to find
out what they might be? I have a microscope, is there a safe way for me to fix
the organisms on slides so I can show them at my science fair?

Answer
You will need to Gram stain them to get a idea as to what they may be. Do a little research on what gram stains mean.  Most of those grown on beef agar will be gram + spore formers.  You will also find some staph (usually the common kind) Also do some checking on how to make smears. When removing bacteria colonies from agar plats precautions must be taken If you have a local college nearby go to the biology department and see if they will help you.  Most biologists that I know would do so.  A local hospital lab might also do so. Further identification after gram staining requires special techniques and materials.
Let me know if you need further help