Microbial growth Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the definition of a culture medium in microbiology?
A culture medium is a substance that provides nutrients and environmental conditions necessary for the growth of microorganisms.
What is the difference between ‘medium’ and ‘media’ in microbiology?
‘Medium’ is the singular form and ‘media’ is the plural form used to refer to culture substances.
What does the term ‘inoculum’ refer to?
Inoculum refers to the cells added to a culture medium to initiate growth.
Why is microbial culture important in microbiology?
Microbial culture allows for studying physiology, identification, counting (enumeration), experimental use, treatment development, and storage of microorganisms.
What process do bacteria use to grow and divide?
Bacteria grow via binary fission, where one cell divides into two daughter cells.
What is exponential growth in bacteria?
Exponential growth is when each bacterial cell divides into two, causing a rapid increase in the population.
What are the essential components for culture media to support bacterial growth?
Moisture, appropriate nutrients, pH, suitable oxygen levels, and sterility.
What are the oxygen requirement categories for bacteria?
Obligate aerobes, facultative anaerobes, obligate anaerobes, aerotolerant anaerobes, and microaerophiles.
What are the differences between liquid and solid culture media?
Liquid media support planktonic (free-floating) growth, while solid media (with agar) support colony formation for identification.
What is agar and why is it preferred as a setting agent?
Agar is a non-nutritive polysaccharide that remains solid at incubation temperatures, is not degraded by bacteria, and withstands sterilization.
