Question

What ingredients in macconkey agar supplies carbon?

Answer 1

MacConkey Agar contains lactose and peptones, which supply carbon to bacteria, aiding in differentiation and identification of enteric bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ingredients in MacConkey Agar (MAC) that supply carbon for bacterial growth include lactose and peptones. Lactose is a disaccharide that acts as a fermentable carbohydrate source, allowing differentiation between lactose fermenting and non-fermenting bacteria based on colony color change. Peptones, which are derived from animal proteins, provide a rich source of amino acids and nitrogen. Various enteric bacteria can metabolize these carbon sources, making MacConkey Agar a useful diagnostic tool in microbiology to distinguish between different types of bacteria based on their biochemical properties.

Answer 2

Peptones and beef extract

MacConkey agar is a selective and differential culture medium for bacteria designed for isolation of Gram negative and usually enteric bacilli, based on their ability to ferment lactose. It contains bile salts, crystal violet, neutral red dye. There are many variations of MacConkey agar depending on the need. This medium was developed by Alfred Theodore MacConkey. This agar can distinguish gram negative bacterias that can ferment. This is known as the indicator medium.