Question

multiple select question
select all that apply
what are the characteristics of the general purpose media? more than one answer may be correct.

□ usually contain a mixture of nutrients
□ are usually chemically defined synthetic media
□ are used to grow a broad spectrum of microbes
□ are usually nonsynthetic
□ include nutrient agar and broth
□ include mannitol salt and macconkey agar

Explanation:

1. General - purpose media (like nutrient agar/broth) typically have a mixture of nutrients to support various microbes, so "usually contain a mixture of nutrients" is correct.
2. General - purpose media are not usually chemically defined synthetic media (chemically defined are for specific needs), so this is incorrect.
3. Their purpose is to grow a broad spectrum of microbes, so "are used to grow a broad spectrum of microbes" is correct.
4. They are usually nonsynthetic (made from natural sources or complex mixtures), so "are usually nonsynthetic" is correct.
5. Nutrient agar and broth are classic general - purpose media, so "include nutrient agar and broth" is correct.
6. Mannitol salt and MacConkey agar are selective/differential (not general - purpose), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

• usually contain a mixture of nutrients
• are used to grow a broad spectrum of microbes
• are usually nonsynthetic
• include nutrient agar and broth