Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

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What is the purpose of a culture medium?

To test for bacterial resistance
To inhibit microbial growth
To provide nutrients for microorganisms
To sterilize specimens

The correct answer is: To provide nutrients for microorganisms

The purpose of a culture medium is to provide the necessary nutrients for microorganisms to grow and proliferate. Culture media are specially formulated solutions or substances that contain various nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for sustaining microbial life. When microorganisms are introduced to this nutrient-rich environment, they can thrive, allowing for observation, identification, or testing of characteristics such as growth patterns, biochemical properties, and susceptibility to antibiotics. In laboratory settings, this growth is essential for various applications, including studying the physiology of microbes, identifying pathogens responsible for infections, or testing antimicrobial susceptibility. By providing a balanced nutrient profile, culture media support the metabolic activities of the microorganisms, facilitating growth that researchers can analyze further.