Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of using agar media in mold identification?

1. To measure humidity

2. To culture mold samples

3. To assess moisture levels

4. To collect dust particles

The correct answer is: To culture mold samples

The primary purpose of using agar media in mold identification is to culture mold samples. Agar serves as a nutrient-rich medium that provides the necessary environment for mold spores to grow and develop into visible colonies. By culturing these samples on agar plates, scientists and indoor air quality professionals can observe the morphological characteristics of the mold, which are vital for accurate identification. This process allows for the examination of colony color, texture, growth rate, and other features critical to distinguishing different species of mold. In contrast, measuring humidity, assessing moisture levels, and collecting dust particles do not provide the means to grow or identify mold directly and are therefore not the main applications of agar media in mold studies.