Culture plates are laboratory tools used to grow and study microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. These plates are typically made of glass or plastic and contain a nutrient-rich gel called agar, which provides the necessary environment for the organisms to thrive. Researchers can inoculate the plates with samples and observe the growth patterns, helping them identify and analyze different species. In microbiology, culture plates come in various types, including Petri dishes and selective media plates. Each type serves a specific purpose, such as isolating particular organisms or promoting the growth of certain types of bacteria while inhibiting others.