Although bacterial viruses, or bacteriophages, are present in many natural environments, they cannot survive autonomously. They require a host cell to reproduce and survive.
In this Edvotek experiment, students will learn about the different life cycles of bacterial viruses. They will then perform a viral plaque assay to indirectly visualise the viruses and to determine viral titer and multiplicity of infection (MOI).
Kit Includes: instructions, cells, phage beads, Ready-Pour Agar, COLORTOP Agar, microtest tubes, sterile loops, petri plates, Luria broth, PBS.
All you need: 37C incubation oven, waterbath, adjustable micropipettes with tips.
For 10 student groups.
Time required: 2 hours.