Some bacteria have the ability to propel themselves through liquids by means of flagella (flagellum = singular). These long fibers of protein are found on many bacteria, including most supported by this simulation. However, not all bacteria are able to “swim”, even if they have flagella . The purpose of this test is to see if the microbe can “swim” by means of flagella .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Motility can be detected in a couple of ways. For this simulation, motility will be monitored by means of microscopically observing the bacteria in a wet mount .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No special media are required for this test, although use of broth cultures is preferred. Only fresh cultures (18-24 hr) of the bacterium grown on a nonselective medium should be used for preparing the wet mount to be observed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fresh growth (not over 24 h old) should be used for preparing the wet mount . The growth is transferred to a drop of water or saline on a microscope slide, mixed, and a cover slip is added. For VirtualUnknown\u2122 Microbiology, the work has been done for you, and a video displays the scene under the microscope. Motility is interpreted using high dry magnification to locate the bacteria within the drop of water. If they swim randomly and “against the current” of water streaming across the slide surface, they are positive for motility . If they seem to be buffeted around, all moving the same direction and at the same speed, there is no motility. Instead, this type of movement is the result of the bacteria being knocked about by water molecules, called Brownian movement .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
None.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To view the motility test in VUMIE Online\u00a9 Online Lab , complete the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n