Streaking a plate is a simple method of diluting liquid bacterial cultures such that individual colonies of bacteria can be isolated. We do this to ensure that our bacterial cultures are homogenous, meaning that the culture grew up from a single bacterium. When you isolate individual colonies on a streak plate you know that colony has grown from a single bacterium.

The method is shown below. It uses a microbial inoculation loop, a liquid culture, a bunsen burner and an appropriate agar plate.

Remember: The next step is to come into the lab to practice with the materials, view a demonstration, or to even just ask questions. Also, if you are ready to take the lab final, please inform your instructor. The lab final will be performed by yourself and will be graded with a rubric.

### Learning Objectives:

- 1.3 - Streak a plate.