Final answer:
Refrigeration is appropriate for the short-term storage of bacterial cultures, preserving them by slowing down metabolic processes. Long-term storage requires ultra-low temperatures. For immediate use within a day or so, incubating at 37 °C is recommended, while refrigeration can maintain viability for several weeks to months.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, refrigeration is suitable for the short-term storage of bacterial cultures. Placing bacterial cultures in a refrigerator (0 °C to 7 °C) slows their metabolic processes significantly, which helps in preserving the cultures and preventing their demise before further experimentation. For bacteria that grow best at body temperature, it is recommended to store them at 37 °C if they will be used within 24 to 36 hours. If not, they should be transferred to a refrigerator after initial growth. Bacteria that prefer room temperature should be incubated at room temperature, as refrigeration would slow their growth too much. Bacterial cultures on agar slant or stab media can remain viable for a few weeks to a few months under refrigeration. For long-term storage, ultra-low temperatures below -70 °C are necessary, facilitated by ultra-low freezers or liquid nitrogen tanks.
Regarding the preservation of foods or laboratory cultures, the use of refrigeration and freezing contributes to post-preparative stability and protection against excess thaw cycles, ensuring short-term temperature stability.