Luminescent bacteria are ecologically
important bacteria that can be isolated from a variety of marine
environments using enrichment methods specifically designed to
support the growth of only these microorganisms. A protocol was
designed based on research that would select for the growth of
luminescent bacteria, of the genus Vibrio or Photobacterium
. The enrichment methods were carried out using NaCl Agar plates,
luminous media and seawater complete liquid medium to successfully
isolate and maintain the growth of luminescent bacteria. Once
a luminous colony was isolated, it was characterized in order
to determine the genus of the microorganism. Tests including the
Gram stain, a motility stab, a wet mount, an oxidase test, and carbohydrate
utilization tests were performed to determine the genus and species
of the luminescent bacteria. After successful completion
of these tests, it was determined that Photobacterium leiognathi
was isolated and maintained from the enrichment methods designed.
Figure 10. Luminescence observed in seawater
complete liquid medium on day 5. Incubated at room temperature.
|
Return Home
Back to Final Protocol
References