Question

1. why does a streak plate need to be cleaned after each use?

Explanation:

A streak plate is used in microbiology (a subfield of Biology) to isolate bacterial colonies. After use, it contains live bacteria, potentially pathogens. Cleaning (via sterilization, e.g., autoclaving) prevents cross - contamination in future experiments, stops bacterial spread (biohazard), and maintains sterile lab conditions for accurate results in subsequent microbial culture work.

Answer:

A streak plate needs to be cleaned after each use to prevent cross - contamination of microbial cultures in future experiments, eliminate the risk of spreading potentially pathogenic bacteria (reducing biohazard risks), and maintain a sterile environment for accurate microbiological work.