First Day! Streak Method, Gram Stain Test and Microscope.
First day in the STEM-TRAIN program. I learned about the “Streak Plate Method”, the “Gram Stain Test” and how to use a microscope. (Sept. 10th, 2019) V-Fisheri bacteria At the beginning of the class, Shawn, a senior student, explained to me the experiment he was working on. He was working with V-fisheri bacteria that have as bioluminescent properties. The goal of his experiment is to find some components that can stop the bacteria from releasing AHL molecules. The V-fischeri bacteria is a gram-negative bacterium found in marine environments When it multiplies and it is ready to communicate with each other, it releases QS molecules. When these molecules are released, the biofilm glows. If the biofilm doesn’t glow there is “something” that stops the communication among these bacteria Pathogenic bacteria also release molecules when it tries to communicate with the others; however, these molecules are toxins. The V-fisheri experiment is successful, it can be applied to p