Microbiology Lab practical

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What is MacConkey agar used for?

Back

MacConkey agar is a selective medium that isolates gram-negative organisms and differentiates lactose fermenters (pink colonies) from non-lactose fermenters (clear colonies).

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What is nutrient agar?

Back

Nutrient agar is a general-purpose medium that supports the growth of a wide variety of bacteria.

Front

What is chocolate agar?

Back

Chocolate agar is a type of complex media that contains lysed red blood cells and additional nutrients, making it suitable for growing fastidious organisms.

Front

What is selective media?

Back

Selective media inhibits the growth of organisms other than the one being grown, and can be either complex or chemically defined.

Front

What is blood agar?

Back

Blood agar is a complex medium that is richer than nutrient agar and includes the nutrient hemin, supporting the growth of a variety of bacteria.

Front

What is the purpose of differential media?

Back

Differential media allows for the differentiation of organisms based on their biochemical characteristics, often indicated by color changes.

Front

What is the role of hemin in blood agar?

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Hemin is a nutrient that supports the growth of certain bacteria that require additional growth factors.

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What distinguishes selective media from enrichment culture media?

Back

Selective media inhibits unwanted organisms, while enrichment culture media enhances the growth of specific organisms.

Front

What type of bacteria does Eosin-methylene blue (EMB) agar select for?

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EMB agar is selective for gram-negative bacteria and differentiates lactose fermenters from non-fermenters.

Front

What is the significance of lysed red blood cells in chocolate agar?

Back

Lysed red blood cells in chocolate agar release nutrients such as hemoglobin and hemin, which are essential for the growth of certain fastidious bacteria.