6.2. Viable vs Non-Viable Organisms

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a viable organism?

   Hint

   Think about which organisms can reproduce.

2. 2.

   What does non-viable mean?

   Hint

   Consider the opposite of being alive.

3. 3.

   What does 'viable' mean in the context of organisms?

   • Dead organisms
   • Living organisms
   • Inert matter

   Hint

   Consider which organisms can reproduce.

4. 4.

   True or False: Non-viable organisms can grow.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the definitions we discussed in class.

5. 5.

   Discuss the implications of miscounting viable microorganisms in water quality analysis.

   Hint

   Think about the consequences of both overestimating and underestimating risk.

6. 6.

   Propose a scenario where using flow cytometry would be more beneficial than traditional culturing methods.

   Hint

   Consider what speed and reliability mean in urgent situations.