Final answer:
Bacteria die more quickly in broth cultures primarily due to the uniform presence of oxygen and agitation, which increase oxidative stress and may deplete nutrients faster than in slant cultures, which provide a more stable environment on solid support.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacteria die more quickly in broth cultures compared to slant cultures primarily because of option B, the presence of oxygen, and option C, agitation. In a broth culture, bacteria are exposed to oxygen uniformly and are agitated, which can rapidly deplete nutrients and lead to the accumulation of toxic waste products. Furthermore, the agitation ensures that the bacteria stay in the liquid phase where they may encounter higher oxygen levels than they prefer, leading to oxidative stress and quicker death. In contrast, slant cultures offer a solid support where bacteria can grow in a gradient of oxygen, which can support both aerobic and anaerobic growth. The solid medium provided by agar in slant cultures slows down the diffusion of oxygen and helps maintain a more stable environment, reducing oxidative stress and allowing bacteria to survive longer.