Final answer:
Agar slants are used in the microbiology lab to culture and maintain bacteria over a longer period of time. They provide a solid surface for bacterial growth and allow us to view and identify bacterial characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Agar slants are primarily used in the microbiology lab for the culture and maintenance of bacteria over a longer period of time. Bacteria grown on agar slants can remain viable for weeks to months when stored properly. Agar, which is derived from red seaweed, provides a solid surface for bacterial growth and allows us to view and identify bacterial characteristics.