Standard Operating Procedure

Subject: Preparing Starch Agar and Starch Nutrient Agar plates

DATE: 27 November 2006

SOP # AA3

Prepared By: Christy Ackley

Approved By: Tarea Sanders

Page 1 of 1

Suggested Vendors, Catalog number, current price:

Starch

Daigger FX449484GAB 100g $3.73 Lab grade soluble

Daigger FX 449495GAN 1L $6.55 1% Aqueous solution

Agar

Daigger FX448571GCC 500g $53.00 (If you have an Asian food store nearby, you can purchase agar-agar packets which will work in this application and will be MUCH cheaper than using science supply source. Just be sure the packet ingredient is agar only and nothing else.)

Peptone

Daigger FX449218GAB 100g $8.14

Beef Extract

Fisher ICN10088350 50g $34.71

STARCH AGAR PLATES:

· Makes 30-40 plates; store at 4°C or at room temperature for 3 months

Instructions:

1. Measure out 2g cornstarch and 7g agar

2. Add to 500mL deionized water in a 1-liter flask

3. Boil and stir to dissolve to prevent agar from scorching

4. While the agar is heating to a boil, label the petri plates

5. Lift the lid of the petri plate wide enough to pour the solution. Do not set the lid down. Quickly pour enough solution to cover the bottom of the dish and immediately place the lid back on the plate

6. Allow the agar to solidify undisturbed

7. Stack the plates in their original plastic sleeve for storage

STARCH NUTRIENT AGAR PLATES:

· Makes 30-40 plates; store at 4°C for 2 months

Instructions:

1. Measure out 5g peptone, 3g beef extract, 2.5g soluble starch, and 7.5g agar

2. Add to 500mL deionized water in a 1-liter flask

3. Boil and stir to dissolve to prevent agar from scorching

4. Autoclave for 15minutes at 121°C

5. Allow the flask to cool enough to remain hot but can be held with bare hands; repeat steps 4-7 above