Answer:
1.37 x [tex]10^6[/tex] CFU/mL
Explanation:
First, the dilution factor needs to be calculated.
Since four 9 ml dilution blanks were prepared, the dilution factor that yielded 137 colonies is of [tex]10^{-4}[/tex].
Next is to divide the colony forming unit from the dilution by the dilution factor:
137/[tex]10^{-4}[/tex] = 137 x [tex]10^4[/tex]
In order to get the CFU/ml, divide the CFU from the dilution by the plated volume (1 mL) from the final dilution tube.
137 x [tex]10^4[/tex]/1 = 1.37 x [tex]10^6[/tex]
Hence, the CFU/ml present in the original E. coli sample is 1.37 x [tex]10^6[/tex].
cfu/ml = (no. of colonies x dilution factor) / volume of culture plate