What is Culture media?
Culture media is a nutrient-rich solution used to grow microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. It typically contains a combination of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, that are essential for the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Culture media can be prepared in different forms such as solid, liquid and semisolid, and can be sterilized by autoclaving, filtration or chemical sterilization. The selection of appropriate culture media depends on the growth requirements of the microorganism, including pH, temperature, oxygen requirements, and the presence of specific nutrients. Culture media plays an important role in microbiology research and biotechnology, as it allows scientists to study the growth and behavior of microorganisms in a controlled environment.
Also Read: Culture Media Preparation, Maintenance and Preservation
MCQ on Culture Media
1. What is the primary purpose of culture media?
a) To provide nutrients for microorganisms
b) To sterilize microorganisms
c) To inhibit the growth of microorganisms
d) To differentiate between different types of microorganisms
2. What is the most common method of sterilizing culture media?
a) Filtration
b) Chemical sterilization
c) Autoclaving
d) Incineration
3. What type of culture media is best for growing bacteria?
a) Solid (agar-based)
b) Liquid
c) Semisolid
d) Both A and C
4. What is the ideal storage condition for culture media?
a) Room temperature
b) Warm and humid
c) Cool and dark
d) Cold and dry
5. What type of culture media is best for growing fungi?
a) Solid (agar-based)
b) Liquid
c) Semisolid
d) Both A and C
6. Can culture media be reused?
a) Yes
b) No
7. What type of water is recommended to prepare culture media?
a) Tap water
b) Distilled or sterile water
8. Can antibiotics be added to culture media?
a) Yes
b) No
9. What type of culture media is selective?
a) Formulated to favor the growth of a specific type of microorganism
b) Formulated to inhibit the growth of microorganisms
10. What type of culture media is differential?
a) Formulated to differentiate between different types of microorganisms based on their growth patterns or metabolic by-products
b) Formulated to favor the growth of a specific type of microorganism.
Answer Key
- a) To provide nutrients for microorganisms
- c) Autoclaving
- d) Both A and C
- c) Cool and dark
- d) Both A and C
- b) No
- b) Distilled or sterile water
- a) Yes
- a) Formulated to favor the growth of a specific type of microorganism
- a) Formulated to differentiate between different types of microorganisms based on their growth patterns or metabolic by-products.
