
agar plates
Agar plates are flat, shallow dishes filled with a gel-like substance called agar, derived from seaweed. This gel acts as a nutrient-rich medium that supports the growth of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. Scientists and medical professionals use agar plates to culture and study microorganisms in a controlled environment. By observing how different microbes grow, their shape, color, and movement can be examined, aiding in identification, research, and diagnosis. The plates are sterile when prepared, ensuring that only the microorganisms introduced are studied.