Which of the following bacterial counting techniques relies on a statistical estimate to determine the of bacteria in a culture
A)Serial dilution
B)Standard plate count
C)Spread plate
D)Most probable number

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Most probable number (MPN) is a statistical method that involves inoculating different dilutions of a sample into a series of tubes or wells, and then determining the presence or absence of bacterial growth. Based on the number of positive wells/tubes, a statistical estimation can be made about the number of bacteria present in the original sample. Therefore, MPN relies on a statistical estimate to determine bacterial numbers. Choices A, B, and C involve physically counting colonies on agar plates and therefore do not rely on statistical estimation.

Which of the Following Bacterial Counting Techniques Relies on a Statistical