Q:
What Is Mannitol Salt Agar?
A:
Quick Answer
Mannitol salt agar is a gelatinous growth medium that is used in microbiological laboratory settings. MSA is typically comprised of animal proteins, mannitol sugar, agar, table salt and phenol red.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
The high salt content of MSA promotes the growth of saline-tolerant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. It also weakens the growth of other bacteria. Additionally, Staphylococcus aureus ferments mannitol, creating a by-product that turns the phenol red component of MSA to yellow. Because Staphylococcus aureus can cause a variety of harmful infections to humans, growing it on MSA, where it can be clearly identified, allows microbiologists to experiment and create ways to control the bacteria.
Learn more about BiologySources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What Is the Purpose of Subculturing?
A: Subculturing keeps cells and microorganisms alive by transferring them from a previous growth culture to a fresh growth medium. It also helps the cells to ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Affects the Growth of Bacteria?
A: The growth of bacteria is affected by water, oxygen, nutrients, temperature and the medium's acidity. Bacteria are single-celled organisms found in water, ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Purpose of Streaking Bacteria for Isolation?
A: The purpose of streaking bacteria for isolation is to create a region in which the bacteria are so dilute that when each bacterium touches the surface of t... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Colony Morphology of Proteus Vulgaris?
A: A significant feature of the colony morphology of Proteus vulgaris is the bacterium's tendency to produce concentric rings while a colony moves across an a... Full Answer >Filed Under:
