Question 37 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Basic Science

Question

Consider the following:
1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Virus
Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. 1 and 2 only

Strategy: Select organisms capable of independent growth on synthetic media, excluding viruses which require living host cells.

Key Info: ## Bacteria
Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that can grow and divide independently on a wide range of synthetic or artificial media, such as nutrient agar or broth.
-   **Applications:** Isolating colonies, antibiotic testing, and general research.

## Fungi
Fungi, including molds and yeasts, are eukaryotic organisms also widely cultured on artificial media like Sabouraud agar for both laboratory and industrial purposes.

## Viruses
Viruses are acellular and lack the machinery for their own metabolism and replication. They are host-dependent and can only reproduce inside living cells.
-   **Culturing Requirements:** Must be grown in living tissue, embryonated eggs, or cell cultures. They cannot grow on pure artificial or synthetic media.

This host-dependency is a key characteristic that distinguishes viruses from bacteria and fungi. Culturing is central to studying microbial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and taxonomy.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3

Consider the following: Bacteria Fungi Virus Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

Consider the following:

Bacteria

Fungi

Virus
Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?