NUTRIENT BROTH Meaning and
Definition
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Nutrient broth is a liquid medium that is specifically formulated to provide the ideal conditions for the growth and cultivation of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and certain fungi. It is composed of a mixture of essential nutrients necessary for the microorganisms to thrive and reproduce. These nutrients generally include carbohydrates, such as glucose or sucrose, which serve as a carbon and energy source for metabolism. Additionally, it contains sources of nitrogen, such as peptone or beef extract, which are vital for protein synthesis and the production of essential compounds.
The composition of nutrient broth can vary depending on the specific microorganism being cultivated, as different organisms have specific nutritional requirements. The broth is typically prepared by dissolving the precise amounts of the selected nutrients in water and then sterilizing the mixture to eliminate any existing microorganisms that may compete with the desired organism.
Nutrient broth plays a crucial role in laboratory settings, where it is used for the isolation, growth, and maintenance of pure cultures of microorganisms. It acts as a versatile and supportive medium for studying the metabolism, morphology, and various other characteristics of microorganisms. Furthermore, it serves as a base for the preparation of other specialized media used in areas such as pharmaceutical research, food industry, agriculture, and medical diagnostics.
Etymology of NUTRIENT BROTH
The word "nutrient broth" is composed of two main elements: "nutrient" and "broth".
The term "nutrient" originates from the Latin word "nutriens", the present participle of "nutrire", which means "to nourish" or "to feed". The word "nutriens" later evolved into the Old French term "nourrissant", which had a similar meaning. Eventually, it made its way into Middle English as "nourishing" and later transformed into "nutrient", referring to substances that provide nourishment.
On the other hand, "broth" comes from the Old English word "breothu", which means "liquid in which flesh has been boiled". This term can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "breuthan", meaning "to boil" or "to brew".
