Growing Bacteria

Question 1

Complex Media

Answer 1

• Contains all of the growth factors that a cell needs to grow (amino acids, components for RNA/DNA, etc.)
• Allows cells to grow faster b/c they don’t have to produce the growth factors themselves
• Virtually all bacteria will grow (with some exceptions e.g. fastidious bacteria)

Question 2

Minimal Media

Answer 2

• Contains basic nutrients so bacteria can make their own growth factors
• Contains C, N, S, P, and trace elements
• Slower growth

Question 3

Prototrophs

Answer 3

• Bacteria that will grown in a minimal medium

- Must be capable of producing all required growth factors themselves

Question 4

Auxotrophs

Answer 4

• Will not grow in a minimal medium without supplementation

- Will grow in a complex medium if not fastidious

Question 5

Defined Media

Answer 5

• Exact components and amounts are known

- Minimal media are typically defined

Question 6

Undefined Media

Answer 6

• Amounts of components unknown

- Complex media are generally undefined (made from organic material)