like, can you freeze them, then thaw them back to their original temp and have them survive and grow from then on? if not what other statogies are there if any?
2007-01-27 13:56:39 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
yeah. some of them can freeze. some can kind of dry out. depends on the kind of bacteria.
2007-01-27 14:01:51 · answer #1 · answered by Cindy B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bacteria are kept for long periods of time in a non-metabolic state by either freezing or a process called lyophilization. When freezing cells, you need to protect from ice crystal formation so the bacteria are often mixed with some glycerol and then held at between -20C to -80C.
Lyophilization is like freeze-drying, in that liquid is removed to dry cells out and the cells can be rehydrated at a later time. The advantage with this process is that the culture can be stored at room temp.
Just to clarify one answerer's response, flu (flue) is caused by a virus not a bacterium!
2007-01-27 14:22:54 · answer #2 · answered by teachbio 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If bacteria can form spores, it is enough just to dry them.
If not (e.g., E.coli), you can add glycerol (final concentration 30%) to bacterial culture and store them in the freezer for 2 years or so, or in -70C freezer for many years.
Also, if you need to store them only for few years, stab agar culture may be good enough: http://wheat.pw.usda.gov/~lazo/methods/lazo/bactstor.html
2007-01-27 21:21:00 · answer #3 · answered by BrokenMirror 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bacteria wants to survive same as viruses. they a bit better at it than us..lol. they also learn quicker about wats killing them so they mutate should have learnt this a long time ago..lol. flue is a good example. need a jab every year cause it changes every year..
2007-01-27 14:06:23 · answer #4 · answered by raybbies 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋