What are the applications of the streak plate method?

There are various applications of the streak plate method. One application is being used for the purpose of obtaining a pure culture from a mixture in order to carry out biochemical, molecular, and morphological tests for identification. For example, it confirms if a specimen contains only one species or multiple, and also helps study bacterial colony traits. Another application is that it is used for making colonies of genetically identical groups. Each isolated colony represents a genetic clone, originating from a single bacterial cell or a small cluster of cells that were present in the initial sample. The streak plate method is used in diagnostic labs to culture isolated colonies of pathogens from clinical specimens. For example, in urine cultures, a calibrated loop aids in isolating and semi-quantifying uropathogens, assessing the infection’s severity.