Answer to Question #25226 in Microbiology for samira

Question

can we identify bacteria upto species level on culture plates whether it is selective or differential media

Answer 1

Yes, we can identifybacteria up to species level on culture plates.It is differential media.Differential medium -special mixture of nutrients used to determine the species specificity of the microbes and the study of their properties. With the growth of bacteria on the differential medium, chemical processes take place due to the presence in microbial cells of different enzymes. Some of them are able to break down proteins, others - carbohydrates, and others - to cause oxidation and reduction reactions, etc. For example ENDO agar – medium for the detection and isolation of E. coli and coliform bacteria. But often differential media contain different chemicals to inhibit unwanted microorganisms (same ENDO agar).