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Question
Design an experiment to test that microorganisms need optimal temperature, air, and moisture for their growth.
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Answer
| Factor to test | Set-up | What you expect |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | One dough in a warm place, one in the refrigerator. | Only the warm dough rises. |
| Air | One jar of waste open, one tightly sealed. | The open jar decomposes faster. |
| Moisture | One bread slice damp, one kept dry. | Mould grows only on the damp slice. |
Take identical bread slices and keep them in different conditions, changing one factor at a time.
Suggested experiment
- Take four moist bread slices in separate boxes.
- Keep one warm and moist (with air) — the ideal condition.
- Keep one in the fridge (cold) to test temperature.
- Keep one dry to test moisture; seal one airtight to test air.
- After a few days, mould grows most on the warm, moist, airy slice.
Changing one factor at a time shows microbes need warmth, air, and moisture to grow.
← Back to: 2.4 How Are We Connected to Microbes?
