Selective Medium Differs from Differential Medium Because

Question

Selective medium differs from differential medium because
A) selective medium permits growth of more organisms than differential medium.
B) selective medium permits growth of a particular microbial type while differential medium is used to distinguish between types of organisms.
C) differential medium differentiates pathogens from nonpathogens while selective medium grows only pathogens.
D) differential medium contains growth inhibitors while selective medium does not.

Accepted Answer

Selective medium is designed to allow the growth of a particular microbial type by suppressing the growth of others, whereas differential medium is designed to distinguish between different types of organisms based on their biochemical and metabolic characteristics. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect because selective medium actually permits the growth of fewer organisms than non-selective medium. Choice C is incorrect because both selective and differential media can be used to grow and differentiate pathogens from nonpathogens. Choice D is also incorrect because both selective and differential media may contain growth inhibitors.