Concerns about contamination, preparation and the cost of bacterial support materials usually limit the study of bacteriology to microscopic observation.  Bacteria, however, provide a method of studying both morphological and biochemical aspects of a simple life form.

The simulated bacteria in this kit, provides both the biochemical and morphological tests without the danger and inconvenience of actual living bacteria.

The simulated bacteria in this part of the kit are not alive.  The culture needs no refrigeration or storage at low temperatures.  For most biochemical tests, a water bath of 37^o C for 1 - 2 hours is all that is needed to perform a biochemical test.  The testing solutions and the original culture need no incubation and can be disposed of by pouring down the drain.  Destructive sterilization of used cultures is not necessary.

Since the bacteria are not alive and the cultures are in use for very short time, there is no danger of co-breeding pathogenic bacteria or viruses.