Serial Dilutions (OCR A Level Biology)

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Serial Dilutions

  • Serial dilutions are created by taking a series of dilutions of a stock solution. The concentration decreases by the same quantity between each test tube
    • They can either be ‘doubling dilutions’ (where the concentration is halved between each test tube) or a desired range (e.g. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 mmol dm-3)

  • Serial dilutions are completed to create a standard to compare unknown concentrations against
    • The comparison can be:
      • Visual
      • Measured through a calibration/standard curve
      • Measured using a colourimeter

    • They can be used when:
      • Counting bacteria or yeast populations
      • Determining unknown glucose, starch, protein concentrations

2.1 The Benedict’s test - Serial dilutions, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Making serial dilutions

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Alistair

Author: Alistair

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.