Starch Agar (500 gm)

Starch Agar (500 gm) is a specialized culture medium formulated to detect the ability of microorganisms to hydrolyze starch. This agar contains starch as the key substrate and supports the growth of various bacteria, allowing clear identification of amylase production through iodine staining. It is widely used in research, clinical, and industrial laboratories for enzymatic activity screening and microbial identification.

Key Features

1. Contains starch as a primary carbon source for amylase detection.
2. Supports growth of a wide range of bacteria and microbes.
3. Enables clear visualization of starch hydrolysis zones with iodine.
4. Prepared under strict quality control for consistent results.
5. Suitable for clinical, environmental, and research microbiology.

Precautions

1. Handle agar plates with sterile techniques to avoid contamination.
2. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
3. Do not use expired product to ensure reliable results.
4. Wear protective gloves and lab coat during preparation and use.
5. Dispose of used plates according to biohazard safety protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is the purpose of starch in Starch Agar?
Answer: Starch acts as a substrate to detect amylase enzyme production by microorganisms.

Question: How is starch hydrolysis detected on the agar?
Answer: After incubation, iodine is applied to the plate; clear zones indicate starch breakdown.

Question: Can this agar be used for fungi as well as bacteria?
Answer: Primarily designed for bacteria, but some fungi may also grow on starch agar.

Question: What incubation conditions are recommended?
Answer: Typically incubate at 35-37°C for 24-48 hours under aerobic conditions.

Question: How should I store the unopened starch agar?
Answer: Store in a cool, dry place at 2-8°C to maintain medium stability.