BLOOD AGAR Meaning and
Definition
-
Blood agar is a type of growth medium commonly used in microbiology laboratories for the cultivation and identification of bacteria. It is composed of a combination of agar and blood, typically sheep or horse blood, which acts as a source of nutrients for bacteria.
The agar component in blood agar acts as a solidifying agent, providing a firm surface for bacterial growth. Meanwhile, the blood in the medium contains various nutrients that support bacterial growth and are essential for the proper functioning of certain bacteria. These nutrients include vitamins, proteins, and minerals. Additionally, the blood in blood agar can reveal important hemolytic patterns of bacteria, helping in their identification.
Blood agar also possesses distinguishing properties that facilitate the differentiation of bacterial species. One such property is its ability to demonstrate hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells. This property is assessed by the presence or absence of hemolytic zones around bacterial colonies. Different types of hemolysis can help differentiate bacteria, including alpha-hemolysis (partial hemolysis), beta-hemolysis (complete hemolysis), and gamma-hemolysis (no hemolysis).
Overall, blood agar provides an optimal environment for bacterial growth and aids in the identification and differentiation of bacteria based on their hemolytic properties. Its utilization plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and classification of various infectious diseases caused by bacteria.
-
A mixture of blood and a., used for the cultivation of trypanosomes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BLOOD AGAR
- vlood agar
- nlood agar
- hlood agar
- glood agar
- bkood agar
- bpood agar
- boood agar
- bliod agar
- blkod agar
- bllod agar
- blpod agar
- bl0od agar
- bl9od agar
- bloid agar
- blokd agar
- blold agar
- blopd agar
- blo0d agar
- blo9d agar
- bloodagar
Etymology of BLOOD AGAR
The word "blood agar" is composed of two parts: "blood" and "agar".
1. Blood: The term "blood" originates from the Old English word "blōd", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "blōþam". This, in turn, derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *bhlo-to-, meaning "to swell, gush, well up". The concept of blood in various languages has historically referred to the vital fluid that circulates in humans and animals, associated with life and health.
2. Agar: The term "agar" refers to the gelatinous substance obtained from seaweeds, specifically from some species of red algae. It is commonly used as a culture medium in laboratories for growing bacteria and other microorganisms.
Similar spelling words for BLOOD AGAR
- blood cup,
- blood sugar,
- bloodguilt,
- agar plate,
- blood clam,
- blood group,
- blood sport,
- bloodstain,
- bald uakari,
- blood knot,
- blood cyst,
- blood test,
- blood sausage,
- blood serum,
- blood clot,
- blood cell,
- bloodshed.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
