Using your results from Part II Skin bacterial counts; explain the difference you observe between the plates exposed to your hands including the Nutrient Agar (hands and nose) and the Mannitol Salt Agar. Why is there such a difference?
a) Nutrient Agar promotes the growth of various bacteria, including those from the skin and nose.
b) Mannitol Salt Agar selectively grows staphylococci species, inhibiting the growth of other bacteria.
c) The difference in bacterial counts reflects the microbial diversity present on the skin and in the nasal cavity.
d) Mannitol Salt Agar is specifically formulated to detect bacteria associated with skin infections.