Which microorganism would most likely display a characteristic swarming growth pattern on an agar plate, as shown in the image below?

• A. Escherichia coli
• B. Candida albicans
• C. Staphylococcus aureus
• D. Proteus mirabilis

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what swarming growth means: Swarming is a rapid and coordinated movement of bacterial populations across solid surfaces, resulting in a characteristic spreading pattern on agar plates.
2. Identify which microorganisms are known for swarming: Among common bacteria, Proteus species, especially Proteus mirabilis, are well-known for their swarming motility due to their flagella and ability to differentiate into elongated swarm cells.
3. Compare the options given: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus typically do not show swarming behavior; Candida albicans is a fungus and does not exhibit bacterial swarming patterns.
4. Recall that Proteus mirabilis produces concentric rings or a spreading pattern on agar plates, which is a hallmark of swarming growth.
5. Conclude that the microorganism most likely to display the characteristic swarming growth pattern is Proteus mirabilis based on its motility and behavior on agar surfaces.