Description
This kit demonstrates the effect a single mutation can have on the progression of a viral disease. Students create serial dilutions of 2 strains of the T4 coliphage (T4 and T4r). They infect a host culture of E. coli B and plate the infected cultures using an agar-layer technique. By looking at the difference in plaque morphology between the plates infected with the 2 strains of coliphage, students observe how small mutations in the genome of a bacteriophage can change the progression of its infection of its host bacteria. Students also learn and practice several techniques invaluable in microbiology, including sterile technique, serial dilution, titer calculation, and agar-layering.
Materials are suitable for 1 to 2 groups of students working in groups of 4. The hands-on portion of the lab can be completed in one 40-minute session followed by a 15-minute session the next day. The prelab can be completed in 30 minutes, and the analysis and assessment can be completed in 30 minutes.
This kit replaces and extends the Plaque Demonstration Kit A (items #124310 and #124310P).