How is the enrichment procedure typically conducted?

The enrichment procedure is a method used in microbiology to increase the quantity of specific microorganisms from a mixed sample, allowing for easier detection and identification. The correct approach involves using specific growth conditions that favor the multiplication of target organisms while suppressing the growth of non-target organisms.

Incubating samples in reducing media is typically a reliable method for enriching certain anaerobic bacteria, as these types of media create an environment that facilitates the growth of anaerobes by removing oxygen. This process allows anaerobes to thrive while inhibiting aerobic bacteria, thus enriching the desired microbial population.

In contrast, sealing samples in anaerobic containers is more about creating an anaerobic environment rather than a procedure specifically aimed at enrichment. Similarly, exposing mixed samples to unusual treatments like boiling would likely kill a lot of the microorganisms, thereby hindering enrichment rather than promoting it. Growing samples directly in living host cells is a specialized technique often used for certain pathogens, but it is not a standard method for enrichment in general microbiological studies.