Bacterial culture is a laboratory technique used to grow and study bacteria. It involves placing a small sample of bacteria onto a nutrient-rich medium, such as agar plates or broth, which provides the necessary environment for the bacteria to multiply. This process allows scientists to isolate specific strains and observe their characteristics. The growth of bacteria in culture can be influenced by various factors, including temperature, pH, and oxygen levels. Bacterial cultures are essential in fields like microbiology, medicine, and biotechnology, as they help in identifying pathogens, testing antibiotic effectiveness, and developing vaccines.