Q69 · UPSC Prelims 2021 · Set A · Art and Culture

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Consider the following:1.Bacteria2.Fungi3.VirusWhich of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?

A 1 and 2 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 1 and 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 2 only

    1 and 2 only. Bacteria and fungi grow on synthetic media. Viruses need living host cells.

  2. B

    2 and 3 only

    2 and 3 only. Viruses fail the artificial-medium test.

  3. C

    1 and 3 only

    1 and 3 only. Same miss on virus.

  4. D

    1, 2 and 3

    All three. Virus cannot be cultured on agar alone.

Summary. Official key is (a) 1 and 2 only. Bacteria and fungi take artificial media. Viruses are obligate intracellular — they are grown in eggs, cell lines or animals, not on a flask of broth alone.

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