Answers
32) The answer will be 6.3 x 106 (Option a).
Explanation: The countable range for colony is 25-250 CFU/plate. Thus, during calculation we will consider the plate that contains 63 colonies.
Now, dilution factor = Volume of stock solution taken/ Final volume
Now, 1 mL of stock solution is taken from flask to the first tube which contains 9 mL of diluent.
So, dilution factor of first tube = 1/ (1+9) = 1/10 = 10-1 dilution
Similarly, in each case there will be 10-1 dilution as similar process is followed in each case.
So, in fifth tube (From which 63 colonies grown on the plate) total dilution factor will be 10-5.
Now, concentration of fifth tube is 63 CFU/mL (As 63 colonies are grown on the plate by taking 1 mL. Please note that there is no mention that 1 mL or other values of solution taken from this tube for plating. We assume 1 mL & this is only possible from the given answer options).
Now, cell concentration in fifth tube = Initial cell concentration in flask x total dilution factor (TDF) of fifth tube
So, Initial cell concentration in flask = Cell concentration in fifth tube / Total dilution factor (TDF) of fifth tube = (63 / 10-5) CFU/mL = 63 x 105 CFU/mL = 6.3 x 106 CFU/mL
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