Final answer:
The microcollection lavender tube should be mixed each time to ensure a random and even distribution of cells in the dilution process. Thorough mixing is crucial to obtaining reliable results. The dilution process involves adding 1.0 mL of the original culture to tubes containing 9.0 mL of dilution solution, resulting in progressive dilution factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The microcollection lavender tube should be mixed each time to ensure a random and even distribution of cells. Thorough mixing is crucial to obtaining reliable results. The original culture is diluted by adding 1.0 mL to a tube containing 9.0 mL of dilution solution, resulting in a dilution factor of 1:10.
From this first dilution, another 1.0 mL is withdrawn and mixed with another tube of 9.0 mL of dilution solution, resulting in a dilution factor of 1:100. This process continues until a series of dilutions is obtained to accurately count the desired cell concentration.