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BIO NMDCAT Carbohydrates
nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The glycosidic linkage of the polysaccharide agar, extracted from red algae, is composed of D-galactose and an unusual L-galactose derivative. The primary biological application of agar in a laboratory setting is based on its property of

A. Being a highly digestible nutrient for bacterial growth
B. Forming a stable, inert gel that solidifies at a temperature below the growth optimum of most microorganisms
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C. Inhibiting the growth of fungi while allowing bacterial growth
D. Acting as a reducing agent in biochemical assays

📝 Explanation

Agar melts at ~85°C and solidifies at ~32-40°C. Once gelled, it remains solid at typical incubation temperatures (e.g., 37°C) and is resistant to degradation by most microorganisms, making it an ideal, inert solidifying agent for culture media.

📖 Additional Information

  • Being a highly digestible nutrient for bacterial growth
  • Forming a stable, inert gel that solidifies at a temperature below the growth optimum of most microorganisms
  • Inhibiting the growth of fungi while allowing bacterial growth
  • Acting as a reducing agent in biochemical assays

Agar melts at ~85°C and solidifies at ~32-40°C. Once gelled, it remains solid at typical incubation temperatures (e.g., 37°C) and is resistant to degradation by most microorganisms, making it an ideal, inert solidifying agent for culture media.

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