Question 69
1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Virus
Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?
AOptions
BSolution
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.
CStrategy
For questions on microorganisms, understand their fundamental biological characteristics, particularly their modes of reproduction and nutritional requirements. Differentiate between free-living organisms that can be cultured independently and obligate parasites that require a host.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under General Science (Biology), specifically Microbiology (Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses).
EQuestion Analysis
Easy. This is a fundamental concept in microbiology.