Enrichment culture

Definition

Enrichment culture is a technique used to enhance the growth of specific microorganisms in a mixed sample by providing favorable conditions. It selectively encourages the proliferation of desired bacteria while inhibiting others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enrichment culture involves the use of selective media that supports the growth of specific microorganisms and suppresses others.
2. It is commonly used in research to isolate and study bacteria with particular metabolic capabilities or environmental adaptations.
3. Conditions such as pH, temperature, and nutrient availability are adjusted to favor the target microorganism.
4. Enrichment cultures can help identify microorganisms involved in processes like nitrogen fixation, sulfur reduction, or hydrocarbon degradation.
5. The process may require several subcultures to increase the relative abundance of the desired microorganism before it can be isolated.

Review Questions

• What is an enrichment culture and what is its primary purpose?
• How does an enrichment culture differ from a simple mixed culture?
• What factors are typically manipulated in an enrichment culture to favor certain microorganisms?

Related terms

Selective Medium: A type of growth medium designed to favor the growth of specific microorganisms while inhibiting others.

Pure Culture: A laboratory culture containing a single species of organism.

Differential Medium: A growth medium that allows different types of microorganisms to be distinguished based on their biological characteristics.