UPSC Prelims 2021·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Consider the following : 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 and 2 onlyCorrect
  2. B2 and 3 only
  3. C1 and 3 only
  4. D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1: Bacteria can be readily cultured in artificial/synthetic media. Microbiological laboratories routinely grow various types of bacteria on nutrient-rich agar plates or in liquid broths, which provide the necessary nutrients for their growth and reproduction. Statement 2: Fungi, including yeasts and molds, can also be cultured in artificial/synthetic media. Specialized fungal media are used that provide appropriate nutrients, pH, and environmental conditions for fungal growth. Statement 3: Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they can only replicate and multiply inside living host cells. They lack the cellular machinery necessary for independent metabolism and reproduction. Therefore, viruses cannot be cultured in artificial/synthetic non-living media alone; they require living cells (e.g., cell cultures, embryonated eggs, or live animals) to grow.
science-and-technology: Consider the following : 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Virus Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium

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