The clear area where no bacteria are growing around the chemical disk is called a zone of:

• A. lysis
• B. colonization
• C. growth
• D. inhibition

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the problem is asking for the term used to describe the clear area around a chemical disk where bacteria do not grow.
2. Recall that in microbiology, when a chemical agent (like an antibiotic) prevents bacterial growth on an agar plate, it creates a clear area around the disk.
3. Recognize that this clear area is not related to lysis (which refers to the breaking down of cells), colonization (which refers to bacteria establishing themselves), or growth (which is the opposite of what is observed).
4. Identify that the correct term for this clear area where bacterial growth is prevented is called the 'zone of inhibition'.
5. Summarize that the 'zone of inhibition' is a key concept in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, indicating the effectiveness of the chemical agent against the bacteria.