How to Pour Agar Plates

Dan gives a demo of how to pour agar plates.

1) Microwave the agar until melted
2) Cool down for 15-20min (until it's cool to touch)
3) Add antibiotics and swirl gently
4) Pour and let sit until solid
5) Store at 4 degrees Celsius until needed

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[nana22124]

is it necessary to autoclave it? in my bio class we had to autoclave it or just using a microwave is fine

[labtricks]

@nana22124 This video only shows how to pour the plates and not how to make the agar solution and that is why the autoclaving step is not shown.

When you make the agar solution, yes you need to autoclave it to sterilize the mixture. Then, if you are not using the mixture right away, the agar will solidify (so you can pre-make your agar mixtures, autoclave them, and store them in the solid state). Our video starts by using autoclaved solid agar, which you melt by microwaving.

Hope that helps!

[edbiology]

if you don't want to flame the cap/bottle, why do you have it on?

[labtricks]

@edbiology Thanks for bringing up that point. Having the lid on keeps the agar solution protected from any dust or particles that could flow in. If you are working near a flame and are careful, you don't need to flame the actual cap and bottle. Flaming the cap/bottle is a good sterile technique and often done, but depending on your needs, it is not always necessary. Hope that helps =)

[SimoLabChannel]

@edbiology

To work on an asseptic zone , remember that microthings are present in the air too.