What term is used to describe an organism that grows weakly in the presence of EMB?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the behavior of an organism on EMB (Eosin Methylene Blue) agar, a selective and differential medium used in microbiology. Specifically, it asks which term describes an organism that exhibits weak growth on this medium. EMB agar is used to differentiate between Gram-negative bacteria and can also indicate lactose fermentation ability. Understanding the principles of Gram staining and the function of EMB agar is key to answering this question.
Answer
Gram-negative bacteria that are not coliforms or Gram-positive bacteria that aren't inhibited by the medium.
Organisms that grow weakly in the presence of Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) are typically Gram-negative bacteria that are not coliforms, or Gram-positive bacteria that are not inhibited by the medium.
Answer for screen readers
Organisms that grow weakly in the presence of Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) are typically Gram-negative bacteria that are not coliforms, or Gram-positive bacteria that are not inhibited by the medium.
More Information
Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar is a selective and differential medium used in microbiology to identify and isolate microorganisms, particularly Gram-negative bacteria. The dyes in EMB inhibit the growth of most Gram-positive bacteria, while allowing Gram-negative bacteria to grow.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume that only coliforms will grow on EMB. While EMB is used to confirm the presence of coliforms, other organisms can still grow weakly on the medium.
Sources
- Eosin Methylene Blue - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- SELECTIVE AND DIFFERENTIAL MEDIA – Hands On Microbiology - open.maricopa.edu
- [PDF] Eosin-Methylene Blue Agar Plates Protocol - asm.org
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