The Hidden Power of Microbes

The overall goal of the research project is to help find antimicrobials from the soil. Microbiology is described as the study of biology through microscopic organisms. Such as different types of bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi. There were many different methods used in helping to reach the goal of finding microorganisms in the soil. The project started with a soil sample. Part of the soil sample was taken and was increasingly diluted with water and placed onto agar plates. From those plates zones of inhibition were shown, where the soil bacteria was inhibiting the other species from growing. Found 10 of the inhibiting species and tested those 10 against safe relatives. Each of the relatives spread evenly on separate agar plates, along with all 10 species placed on top. From there, there were 3 species that had zones of inhibition. A streak plate was made from one candidate. Metabolic testing, PCR and gel electrophoresis were used to determine the identity of the candidate. The study of microbes helps us to understand our world and our place within it.