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🦠microbiology review

Complex media

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Complex media are nutrient-rich growth mediums used for cultivating microorganisms, containing a variety of ingredients like yeast extract, peptone, and other nutrients. They provide a wide range of growth factors necessary for the cultivation of fastidious microorganisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Complex media contain undefined components that vary in chemical composition.
  2. They are often used when the nutritional requirements of an organism are unknown.
  3. Examples include nutrient broth, tryptic soy broth, and blood agar.
  4. Complex media support the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms, including those that require additional growth factors.
  5. They are different from defined media, which have known specific chemical compositions.

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