Experiments

Front 1

Autoclaving

Back 1

One of the most common methods of sterilization; involves subjecting a surface to saturated steam under high pressure at a temperature well over the bp of water. When done correctly, autoclaving will inactivate all bacteria, spores, fungi, and viruses, altho prions may remain present.

Other notable sterilization techniques include UV radiation, heat, extremely noxious chemicals, and filtration

Front 2

Disinfection

Back 2

Refers to the removal of most micro organisms, especially pathogenic micro organisms. Many disinfecting agents interfere with the cell walls of bacteria, although there are many different disinfecting agents with a wide range of mechanisms, so some disinfecting agents will be more effective against specific types of microorganisms than others. Bleach is one of the most common disinfectants, and 70% ethanol is another common option. Interestingly, 70% ethanol is more effective than 90 plus percent ethanol because the presence of water in the more dilute ethanol mixture promotes entrance of the ethanol into the cell, meaning that its effects will be more widely distributed

Front 3

Spectroscopy

Back 3

Khan vids

Front 4

Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)

Back 4

Measures the enthalpy (heat) of binding as increasing concentrations of a ligand are titrated into a solution of protein. Each binding event releases heat (negative ΔH) and is displayed as a negative peak on the ITC trace.