Back
| Product Name | MacConkey Agar (Ph. Eur., ISO 21567) (Dehydrated Culture Media) |
| Product Type | Microbiology |
| Attributes | N/A |
FAQ
What is MacConkey Agar (Ph. Eur., ISO 21567) and how is it used in
microbiology?
MacConkey Agar is a selective and differential culture medium used in microbiology to isolate and differentiate lactose-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, particularly members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It contains bile salts and crystal violet, which inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and allow for the selective growth of Gram-negative bacteria.
How does MacConkey Agar differentiate between lactose-fermenting and non-lactose-fermenting bacteria?
MacConkey Agar contains lactose and a pH indicator (neutral red) that turns pink in the presence of acid produced by the fermentation of lactose. Lactose-fermenting bacteria produce acid during fermentation, causing the colonies to turn pink or red, while non-lactose-fermenting bacteria produce pale or colorless colonies.
What are some applications of MacConkey Agar in microbiology?
MacConkey Agar is commonly used for the isolation and differentiation of enteric bacteria in clinical, food, and water testing laboratories. It is also used to screen for coliforms in water samples and to identify lactose-fermenting bacteria in clinical specimens.
What are the advantages of using MacConkey Agar in microbial culture?
MacConkey Agar provides a simple and reliable method for the selective isolation and differentiation of lactose-fermenting bacteria. Its ability to distinguish between lactose-fermenting and non-lactose-fermenting bacteria makes it a valuable tool for microbiologists in various fields of research and testing.
How should MacConkey Agar be prepared and stored for optimal performance in microbiological applications?
MacConkey Agar should be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions, autoclaved to sterilize the medium, and poured into sterile petri dishes for bacterial culture. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its integrity and performance.
MacConkey Agar is a selective and differential culture medium used in microbiology to isolate and differentiate lactose-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, particularly members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It contains bile salts and crystal violet, which inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and allow for the selective growth of Gram-negative bacteria.
How does MacConkey Agar differentiate between lactose-fermenting and non-lactose-fermenting bacteria?
MacConkey Agar contains lactose and a pH indicator (neutral red) that turns pink in the presence of acid produced by the fermentation of lactose. Lactose-fermenting bacteria produce acid during fermentation, causing the colonies to turn pink or red, while non-lactose-fermenting bacteria produce pale or colorless colonies.
What are some applications of MacConkey Agar in microbiology?
MacConkey Agar is commonly used for the isolation and differentiation of enteric bacteria in clinical, food, and water testing laboratories. It is also used to screen for coliforms in water samples and to identify lactose-fermenting bacteria in clinical specimens.
What are the advantages of using MacConkey Agar in microbial culture?
MacConkey Agar provides a simple and reliable method for the selective isolation and differentiation of lactose-fermenting bacteria. Its ability to distinguish between lactose-fermenting and non-lactose-fermenting bacteria makes it a valuable tool for microbiologists in various fields of research and testing.
How should MacConkey Agar be prepared and stored for optimal performance in microbiological applications?
MacConkey Agar should be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions, autoclaved to sterilize the medium, and poured into sterile petri dishes for bacterial culture. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its integrity and performance.
