Final answer:
The standard plate count is advantageous because it determines the number of viable cells, can be performed on dilute samples, and the results can be used to assess infections, antimicrobial effectiveness, and contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advantage of the standard plate count is that it determines the number of viable cells.
By using suitable conditions for incubation, viable cells replicate and give rise to visible colonies, which can be counted.
This method is useful for assessing the extent of an infection, the effectiveness of antimicrobial compounds, and contamination of food and water.
Another advantage of the standard plate count is that it can be performed on very dilute samples, such as lake water.
In cases where the sample is too dilute, a modification of the plate count technique called the membrane filtration technique can be used to concentrate the sample before plating.
However, the standard plate count may not be suitable for counting heat-sensitive bacteria, as the incubation conditions may not be suitable for their growth.
In such cases, other methods such as direct microscopic cell count or electronic particle counters may be used.