Question

Advantages and disadvantages of serial dilution method

Answer 1

The serial dilution method involves a stepwise dilution of a substance in solution. Generally the dilution factor at each step is constant.

Advantages

1. It helps to reduce a dense culture of cells to a more usable concentration.

2. A specific amount of bacteria are reduced with every dilution.

3. The number of colonies cultured from serial dilutions of the sample are counted to estimate the concentration of an unknown sample. Then back track the measured counts to the unknown concentration.

Disadvantages

1. It does not separate bacteria like a streak plate.

2. Overnight incubation is required. 

Answer 2

The serial dilution method involves a stepwise dilution of a

substance in solution. Generally the dilution factor at each step is constant.

Advantages

1. It helps to reduce a dense culture of cells to a more

usable concentration.

2. A specific amount of bacteria are reduced with every

dilution.

3. The number of colonies cultured from serial dilutions of

the sample are counted to estimate the concentration of an unknown sample. Then

back track the measured counts to the unknown concentration.

Disadvantages

1. It does not separate bacteria like a streak plate.

2. Overnight incubation is required.