Why is agar medium used in Petri dishes?(1 point)

Agar medium is used in Petri dishes because agar is a solidifying agent that provides a gel-like surface for the growth of microorganisms. The agar medium allows the microorganisms to grow in a controlled environment and provides them with essential nutrients necessary for their growth and reproduction. The solid surface also allows for the observation and isolation of individual colonies of microorganisms for further study or analysis.

Agar medium is used in Petri dishes because it provides a solid surface for microbial growth. Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed and has several properties that make it suitable for microbial culture. It is relatively inert and does not interfere with the growth of microorganisms. Agar also remains solid at temperatures up to around 50°C, allowing for the incubation of cultures without melting or liquefying. Furthermore, agar is porous and allows for the diffusion of nutrients and gases necessary for microbial growth. Overall, agar medium provides a stable and supportive environment for the cultivation and study of microorganisms.