2007-11-27 13:16:04 · 6 answers · asked by Doraemon 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Agar or agar agar is a gelatinous substance chiefly used as a culture medium for microbiological work. It is an unbranched polysaccharide obtained from the cell membranes of some species of red algae or seaweed. It can be used as a laxative, a vegetarian gelatin substitute, a thickener for soups, in jellies, ice cream and Japanese desserts such as anmitsu, as a clarifying agent in brewing, and for paper sizing fabrics. The word agar comes from the Malay word agar-agar (meaning jelly). It is also known as kanten, agal-agal (Ceylon agar), or China grass. Chemically, agar is a polymer made up of subunits of the sugar galactose. Agar polysaccharides serve as the primary structural support for the algae's cell walls.
2007-11-27 13:18:28 · answer #1 · answered by sparrowszealot 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a seaweed extract which provides a neutral enviroment for some bacteria to grow (or not). Add a little blood and some bacteria will grow better than others. Put streptomyacin in it and some bacteria will survive. Others won't. Agar agar is a useful bit of kit for any bacteriologist.
2007-11-27 21:38:45 · answer #2 · answered by mustardcharlie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agar is a food for bacteria derived from wheat product I believe, It is commonly known as Nutrient Agar.
2007-11-27 21:18:35 · answer #3 · answered by Armada_Returns 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is a gel made from seaweed. Labs will make up dishes with agar jelly in them to use to get bacteria to grow for testing.
2007-11-27 21:19:17 · answer #4 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah it is
it helps the bacteria grow and eventually multiply
2007-11-27 21:19:02 · answer #5 · answered by stephie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
jelly...
2007-11-27 21:18:30 · answer #6 · answered by alfredbenjamin 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋