Final answer:
KIA media is prepared by mixing a powdered formula with water, followed by sterilization in an autoclave. Once cooled, it's ready for use in growing bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
KIA (Kligler Iron Agar) media is prepared by measuring and mixing the appropriate amounts of a powdered formula with water.
Initially, pioneers in microbiology like Koch and Pasteur used natural ingredients such as cow brains and potatoes for creating culture media.
Today, the process is simplified with commercially available powders. After mixing, the medium must be sterilized in an autoclave to eliminate any contaminating microorganisms.
This sterilization process involves steam under pressure at high temperatures. Once the sterilized media has cooled down, it is ready for use in microbiological experiments or for growth of bacteria.