Minimal Medium Confusion

[The_Confused_Student]

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If Arg+ associated with a bacteria means it can synthesize Arginine, then why is it that the Minimal Medium is shown as Arg-? What is Minimal Medium basically?

 

[wanderingorion]

According to the internet, minimal media just has the basics (sugar/salts/etc.) that allow the bacteria to synthesize it's own amino/nucleic acids. It seems to be used to select for/against genetically modified bacteria. You can add a single component (like Arginine) to make it "supplementary minimal media" if you want to select for a mutant.

 

[VincentAdultman]

Pretty sure you’re not supposed to use this place for homework help.

 

[Oso]

Pretty sure you’re not supposed to use this place for homework help.

To be fair, I was just wondering about this a few nights ago.

 

[The_Confused_Student]

According to the internet, minimal media just has the basics (sugar/salts/etc.) that allow the bacteria to synthesize it's own amino/nucleic acids. It seems to be used to select for/against genetically modified bacteria. You can add a single component (like Arginine) to make it "supplementary minimal media" if you want to select for a mutant.

But what is the point in adding Arginine to Minimal Media so as to synthesize the same, Arginine which is supposed to be the amino acid

Pretty sure you’re not supposed to use this place for homework help.

I'm not sir, I am actually pursuing B.Tech in Mechanical Engg. at IIT Kanpur (Now you may say that this is not the place meant for me). There is a mandatory LIF101A course in the first semester which gives you an overview, a bit deeper overview, of the biological world. Having a less experience in biology and baffled by certain concepts, I found this place actually good and thought my petty doubts would be easily cleared here, since there are people who are 10+ year member of the community forum and Gold Donor also!!!

But Alas!!

Of course, I will ask my Professor, but one first goes for a quick helping hand, right??

 

[Atom612]

If Arg+ associated with a bacteria means it can synthesize Arginine, then why is it that the Minimal Medium is shown as Arg-? What is Minimal Medium basically?

But what is the point in adding Arginine to Minimal Media so as to synthesize the same, Arginine which is supposed to be the amino acid

Still sounds like homework help...but I'll try to explain:

Both the medium and the bacteria can be said to be Arg+/-

Minimal media is Arg-, it only contains the fundamental building blocks (sugar for energy, a nitrogen source for AA synthesis, and salts/elements for cofactors and stuff).

An Arg+ bacteria species will grow on Arg- minimal media, because it can synthesize arginine from the rudimentary building blocks contained in the minimal media.

An Arg- species will not be able to synthesize arginine on minimal media, but will grow on Arg+ enriched media.

Hope that helps.

 

[libertyyne]

Pretty sure you’re not supposed to use this place for homework help.

I do wish there was a subform where we could discuss science related questions without it appearing that we are asking for homework help.

 

[gyngyn]

Closing.