A Petri dish is a shallow, circular, lidded dish commonly used in laboratories for culturing microorganisms, cells, or small plants. Typically made from glass or clear plastic, Petri dishes allow scientists to observe growth and behavior in a controlled environment. The dish is filled with a nutrient medium, like agar, which provides essential nutrients for microbial growth.
Named after German bacteriologist Julius Richard Petri, the Petri dish has become essential in microbiology for studying bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Scientists use them to test antibiotics, study disease-causing organisms, and conduct various biological experiments. Petri dishes are also used in schools and research labs for educational purposes.
They are sterilized before use to prevent contamination, and once the medium and specimen are added, the lid helps prevent airborne contaminants from entering. Some Petri dishes are disposable, while others can be sterilized and reused. Beyond microbiology, Petri dishes are also used in plant biology to grow small plants or cells in tissue culture.
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