Which method can be used to isolate colonies through dilution?

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Prepare for the UCF General Microbiology Lab Midterm Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The pour plate method is an effective technique for isolating individual colonies through dilution. This method involves mixing a diluted sample of microorganisms with molten agar and then pouring it into a Petri dish to solidify. As the agar cools and solidifies, the microorganisms become trapped within the medium, allowing for the growth of colonies both on the surface and within the agar. This is particularly beneficial for isolating a diverse range of microorganisms, especially when the concentration of the sample is quite high.

Using the pour plate method enables the enumeration and isolation of colonies by diluting the sample to a point where individual cells can grow into distinct colonies. The idea is that by diluting the sample, fewer cells will be present in a given volume, leading to individual colonies forming at sufficient distances apart so that they can be easily counted and picked for further study.

Other methods, while effective for different purposes, do not isolate colonies through dilution in the same way. The streak plate method uses a loop to spread a sample across the surface of an agar plate, which allows for the separation of colonies by dragging the cells across the surface. The spread plate method involves spreading a diluted sample across the surface of an agar plate with a glass spreader. Quorum sensing is a form