This document is a completed lab report for General Microbiology (BIOL 3200) at Auburn University, specifically focused on the identification of an unknown bacterial sample – designated Unknown #428 – as *Bacillus megaterium*. It was submitted by Taylor Breech for a Tuesday 1:00 PM lab section.
This type of report is essential for students in microbiology courses to demonstrate their ability to apply learned laboratory techniques to identify unknown microorganisms. It’s typically used as a significant component of a student’s grade, assessing practical skills and understanding of bacterial characteristics. This report serves as evidence of a student’s competency in performing Gram stains, biochemical tests, and utilizing dichotomous keys for bacterial identification.
This report details the *process* of identification, but does not serve as a guide *for* identification. It showcases a completed analysis, and won’t teach you how to perform the tests or interpret results independently.
The full report provides a detailed account of the experimental procedures, observations, and interpretations made during the identification process. It includes: Gram stain results, primary media inoculation details, a comprehensive table of biochemical test results (KOH slide, Oxidase, Catalase, Voges-Proskauer, Starch Hydrolysis, Nitrate Reduction, MSA, Phenyl Red Mannitol), a dichotomous key used for identification, confirmation tests performed, and a summary of the findings leading to the identification of *Bacillus megaterium*. This preview does *not* include the images referenced within the report (e.g., colony morphology on TSA plates, or microscopic observations).
