A microbiologist is attempting to determine the size of a microbial population and has employed several methods. She noticed that the direct count she obtained using a counting chamber and microscope was much higher than her estimate from doing a viable plate count. This discrepancy was encountered during multiple trials. What is the most likely reason for the discrepancy

The options are

A. She did not correctly do the serial dilutions to the viable plate count

B. Many organisms viewed during the direct count may be dead

C. The organisms were not readily cultured on the viable count, either because many were dead or because the medium and growth conditions used for the viable count will not support the growth of the microorganism

D. The medium and growth conditions used for the viable count will not support the growth of the organisms

The answer is C. The organisms were not readily cultured on the viable count, either because many were dead or because the medium and growth conditions used for the viable count will not support the growth of the microorganism

Explanation:

The discrepancy encountered during multiple trials which involved noticing that the direct count she obtained using a counting chamber and microscope was much higher than her estimate from doing a viable plate count was most likely as a result of the organisms were not readily cultured on the viable count, either because many were dead or because the medium and growth conditions used for the viable count will not support the growth of the microorganism.