Culture media are specialized nutrient solutions used to grow and support the development of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in laboratory settings. These media provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that help sustain microbial growth and reproduction. They can be solid, liquid, or semi-solid, depending on the requirements of the organisms being studied. Different types of culture media are designed for specific purposes. For example, agar is a common solidifying agent used in petri dishes, while broth media are used for growing organisms in liquid form. Additionally, selective media can inhibit the growth of certain microbes while promoting others, allowing researchers to isolate specific strains for study.