What is the difference between differential and selective media

Culture media are used to grow, isolate, differentiate and identify microorganisms. Media are included with necessary nutrients for the growth of microorganisms. There are different types of media available for the culturing purpose. Selective media and differential media are two types of growth media. Selective media allow the growth of a specific type of microorganisms and inhibit the rest of the other microorganisms. Differential media distinguish the microorganisms by allowing them to produce visible growth pattern or different characteristics on the media.

This is the difference between selective media and differential media. Certain media work as both selective and differential media. You can download PDF version of this article and use it for offline purposes as per citation notes. Available here. Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Apr. Samanthi Udayangani holds a B. Basic solid agar or liquid broth can also be enriched with various compounds specific for an organism of interest's needs e.

For example, if a certain microbe is resistant to aparticular antibiotic e. Notice non-mannitol fermenting clear colonies growing as well. Explanation of Case 3 The media used for stool culturing varies between laboratories, but stool testing is where the usefulness of differential media really shines. Selective Media: Selective media are used to isolate a particular strain of microorganisms.

Differential Media: Differential media are used to identify and differentiate closely-related microorganisms. Selective Media: Selective media use specific growth characteristics of a particular microorganism to select it from the others. Differential Media: Differential media use unique growth patterns of microorganisms to differentiate them from others.

Selective Media: Selective media only allow the growth of a single microorganism in the medium. Differential Media: Differential media allow several closely-related microorganisms to grow in the medium.

Selective Media: Selective media do not use indicators. Differential Media: Differential media use indicators. Selective and differential media are two types of growth media used to isolate and identify microorganisms. Selective media are used to isolate a particular type of microorganism by giving a specific condition for the growth of that particular microorganism. Key Points Selective media generally selects for the growth of a desired organism, stopping the growth of or altogether killing non-desired organisms.

Differential media takes advantage of biochemical properties of target organisms, often leading to a visible change when growth of target organisms are present. Differential media, unlike selective media, does not kill organisms.

It indicates if a target organism is present. Key Terms recombinant : This term refers to something formed by combining existing elements in a new combination.