Lab #5 - Culture Media Principles and Preparation

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and procedures related to the principles and preparation of culture media in microbiology lab.

Culture Media

A gel or liquid used to grow microorganisms.

Agar

A polysaccharide isolated from red algae used to solidify culture media.

Chemically Defined Medium

A culture medium composed of known amounts of pure chemicals.

Complex Medium

A culture medium with ingredients whose precise chemical composition is not known.

Sterilization

The destruction of all forms of life and inactivation of viruses.

Autoclave

A device used for sterilization by using steam under pressure.

Peptone

Partially digested protein often used as a nutrient source in culture media.

Gram Staining

A method for classifying bacteria based on the characteristics of their cell walls.

Liquid Media

A form of culture media that contains nutrients but no agar.

Semisolid Media

A form of culture media with some agar content, less than solid media.

Nutrient Broth

A common type of complex media used to support the growth of bacteria.

Moist heat (autoclaving)

A method of sterilization using steam and high temperature, effective for killing microbes and spores. Used on lab equipment and glass

Dry heat

High temp with no moisture, incineration or sterilization method used for sterilizing materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as metal instruments and glassware.

Filtration

heatless removal of microorganisms from liquids or gases using a filter.

Radiation

a process that involves the use of electromagnetic radiation or particles to eliminate microorganisms. It is effective for sterilizing surfaces and heat-sensitive materials.

High pressure

a method used in sterilization that employs high pressure to destroy microorganisms, effective for heat-sensitive materials.