Is EMB selective or differential?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the characteristics of EMB agar (Eosin Methylene Blue agar), specifically whether it is selective or differential. This involves understanding its use in microbiology for isolating certain bacteria.
Answer
Both selective and differential.
The final answer is EMB is both selective and differential.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is EMB is both selective and differential.
More Information
EMB agar is selective because it inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria due to the presence of dyes like methylene blue. It is differential as it differentiates between lactose fermenters and non-fermenters, commonly used in bacterial identification and isolation.
Tips
Confusing selective and differential properties: Selective media allows the growth of certain bacteria while inhibiting others. Differential media differentiates between bacteria based on certain reactions, such as lactose fermentation in EMB agar.
Sources
- 23: Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMB) - Bio LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
- 1.28: EMB Agar - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
- Eosin methylene blue - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
