Agar replaced gelatin as the gelling (solidifying) agent for media because
A) agar provides nutrients for rapid bacterial growth.
B) fewer bacteria can break down agar compared with gelatin.
C) agar is solid at temperatures as high as 90°C.
D) agar provides a pH range from 4-11.
E) agar is much easier to obtain than gelatin.

Question

Agar replaced gelatin as the gelling (solidifying) agent for media because
A) agar provides nutrients for rapid bacterial growth.
B) fewer bacteria can break down agar compared with gelatin.
C) agar is solid at temperatures as high as 90°C.
D) agar provides a pH range from 4-11.
E) agar is much easier to obtain than gelatin.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gelatin can be broken down by certain types of bacteria, making it unreliable as a gelling agent for bacterial cultures. Agar, on the other hand, is not broken down by most types of bacteria, making it a more consistent and reliable choice as a gelling agent.

Agar Replaced Gelatin as the Gelling (Solidifying) Agent for Media