Microbes in the Environment

Why is agar preferable to gelatin as a solidifying agent in culture media?

An agar is preferable because few microbes can degrade it, so it remains solid during microbial growth

What are bacteria using for nutrients in nutrient agar? What is the purpose of the agar?

Bacteria are using organic carbon, energy, and nitrogen sources supplied from portion in the form of meat extracts. The agar provides nutrients so the bacteria can grow

How can you tell whether or not there is bacterial growth in nutrient broth?

If the broth becomes cloudy, chunky, or you see a ring appear, then you know there is bacterial growth

What is the purpose of the microbes in the environment exercise?

Is to understand the purpose of using an agar and to compare our material growth from both the environment and our body.

What is the value of Petri plates in microbiology?

It is used to provide a large solid surface area for examination of bacterial growth