Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

Which statement applies to liquid culture media?

1. Also called a broth

2. Bacteria are immobilized

3. Do not require autoclave

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Also called a broth

The correct answer indicates that liquid culture media can also be referred to as broth. This terminology is widely used in microbiology to describe nutrient solutions that support the growth of microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Broths are typically composed of water and nutrient substances, allowing for the suspension and growth of bacteria in a liquid environment. In the context of liquid culture media, bacteria are indeed suspended temporarily in the media, which allows for their growth and reproduction. However, they are not immobilized as they would be on solid media, where bacteria grow as colonies and are fixed in place. Additionally, while sterilization is a critical step in preparing culture media, all types generally require autoclaving to ensure all potential contaminants are eliminated. Some liquid media might be prepared without autoclaving under specific conditions, but this is not standard practice for microbial culture media intended for diverse or unknown samples. Thus, the definition of liquid media as broth accurately reflects its common use and significance in microbiological practices, making it the most appropriate statement to highlight.