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Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that causes communicable infections - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1

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Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that causes communicable infections. (a) Scientists tested the ability of two antiseptics to kill Streptococcus pyogenes bacte... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that causes communicable infections - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1

Step 1

Calculate the area of the zone of inhibition for antiseptic 2.

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Answer

To find the area of the zone of inhibition for antiseptic 2, we use the formula for the area of a circle:

A=pir2A = \\pi r^2

Given the radius for antiseptic 2 is 12 mm, substituting the value in:

A=3.14imes(12)2A = 3.14 imes (12)^2

A=3.14imes144=452.16mm2A = 3.14 imes 144 = 452.16\, \text{mm}^2

Thus, rounded to 3 significant figures, the area of the zone of inhibition for antiseptic 2 is:

zone of inhibition for antiseptic 2 = 452 mm²

Step 2

Explain which antiseptic is the most effective.

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Answer

Antiseptic 1 is more effective because it has a larger zone of inhibition. This indicates that a greater number of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria have been killed compared to antiseptic 2.

Step 3

Give a reason why the plates were incubated at 37°C.

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Answer

To provide optimal growth conditions, as S. pyogenes grow best at body temperature.

Step 4

Explain why this aseptic precaution was used.

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Answer

The wire loop was heated to sterilize it, thereby preventing contamination of the bacterial cultures and ensuring accurate results when spreading bacteria on the agar plate.

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