The oxygen-free gas commonly employed during anoxic incubation of a bacterial culture is a mixture of
A) nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
B) nitrogen and carbon monoxide.
C) nitrogen and argon.
D) nitrogen and hydrogen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The oxygen-free gas commonly employed during anoxic incubation of a bacterial culture is a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen. This mixture creates an environment that is anaerobic, preventing the growth of oxygen-requiring microorganisms. Carbon monoxide would be toxic to the cells, argon is inert and carbon dioxide could be used by microbes that utilize carbon sources other than oxygen. Therefore, nitrogen and hydrogen are the best choice for an oxygen-free environment.

The Oxygen-Free Gas Commonly Employed During Anoxic Incubation of a Bacterial