Final Answer:
The OD₆₀₀ of the original culture is 1.4286.
Step-by-step explanation:
The optical density (OD) is a measure of the concentration of cells in a culture, and it is commonly measured at a wavelength of 600 nm (OD₆₀₀). When a culture is diluted, the relationship between the original and diluted OD can be expressed using the formula:
OD original = OD diluted x Dilution factor
In this case, the dilution factor is given as 0.7. Rearranging the formula to solve for the original OD:
OD original = OD diluted x Dilution factor
Substituting the given values:
OD original = 0.7x0.7
OD original = 1.4286
Therefore, the OD₆₀₀ of the original culture is 1.4286.
In biological research, maintaining accurate cell concentrations is crucial for experimental reproducibility. Optical density provides a quick and convenient method for estimating cell density without the need for time-consuming cell counts. When a culture is diluted, the OD is proportionally reduced, and the original OD can be calculated by multiplying the diluted OD by the dilution factor. This calculation assumes a linear relationship between cell concentration and OD, making it a useful tool in microbiology and cell biology research.