Chapter 33, Problem 1Q

What was the purpose of the balloon on the glucose—yeast extract broth bottle?

Summary Introduction

To write:

The purpose of the balloon on the glucose-yeast extract broth bottle.

Introduction:

Glucose-yeast extract broth is the medium for the cultivation and the maintenance of Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sp., Clavibacter, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas fluroscens and Serratia marrescens as well as the yeast species. It is soluble in water.

Explanation of Solution

Glucose-yeast extract method is used for the detection of presence of the yeast in the given sample. Samples, warm water, sugar, balloon and an empty bottle is required for performing the test. Yeast produces carbon dioxide after metabolizing glucose.

A balloon is used for the detection of the presence of the yeast as after metabolizing the glucose, yeast will release carbon dioxide. The yeast consumes the sugar as food and produces carbon dioxide gas as there is no space for the gas in the broth. The balloon is placed at the mouth of the bottle. It acts an airlock keeping the contamination out while allowing the carbon dioxide produced to go somewhere else.

Conclusion

Thus, the purpose of the balloon on the glucose-yeast extract broth bottle is to keep the contaminants out and allow the carbon dioxide gas to go somewhere else.