Ward's® Bacterial Synergism Lab Activity

Observe a relationship between two organisms that together produce an effect they could not achieve individually.

• Observe the phenomenon of synergism in your laborat ory
• Microorganisms included in this set are non-pathogenic

Synergy is the interaction of two or more influences to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects, and students can observe this phenomena between two mutant strains of Serratia marcescens. When cultured separately, each strain is colorless due to a deficiency in the biochemical pathway for pigment production. However, when grown in proximity to each other, each strain completes the other’s biochemical pathway and both are then able to display a red pigment.

Ordering information: This item contains a copupon for live or perishable materials. At checkout, please provide the date you wish the perishable components to arrive.

Microbial and fungal cultures are restricted and can only be ordered by educational professionals.

Delivery information: The kit will ship separately from the live component. Kits do not contain perishable components and generally ship via UPS ground.

Perishable components will ship via overnight or second day delivery.

Caution: While the organisms in this activity are non-pathogenic, Ward’s recommends that you utilize proper aseptic technique when handling all microorganisms.