What defines enrichment media?

Enrichment media is specifically designed to support the growth of particular microorganisms, allowing them to thrive while inhibiting the growth of others. This is crucial for isolating and identifying specific bacteria in mixed samples. Enrichment media typically includes nutrients and growth factors that cater to the requirements of the target organism, creating an environment where it can proliferate effectively.

In this context, option B accurately describes enrichment media as liquid media that contains chemicals or nutrients that enhance the growth of desired bacteria. This selective enhancement is essential in clinical microbiology and environmental studies to recover organisms that are present in low numbers or are fastidious in their growth requirements.

The other options describe media types that do not fit the definition of enrichment media. Solid media that prevents all bacteria from growing is more characteristic of selective media, while media that selectively inhibits bacterial growth directly pertains to selective media too, not enrichment. Lastly, the definition limiting growth to only anaerobic bacteria pertains to anaerobic media, which would not encompass the broad principle of enrichment.