Agar:

• A. Can be a solid medium used to grow many species of bacteria.
• B. Can be solidified in many different vessels, including a petri dish.
• C. Is a polysaccharide mixture extracted from marine algae.
• D. Has chemical and physical properties that make it ideal for solidifying media.
• E. All of the above.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of agar in microbiology: Agar is commonly used as a solidifying agent in microbiological media due to its unique properties.
2. Recognize the versatility of agar: It can be used to grow various bacterial species and can be solidified in different vessels, such as petri dishes, which are standard in laboratory settings.
3. Identify the source of agar: Agar is a polysaccharide mixture extracted from marine algae, which contributes to its ability to solidify and maintain its structure at various temperatures.
4. Examine the chemical and physical properties of agar: These properties make it ideal for use in microbiological media, as it remains solid at incubation temperatures and does not interfere with the growth of microorganisms.
5. Conclude that all statements about agar are correct: Each point highlights a different aspect of agar's utility in microbiology, supporting the conclusion that 'All of the above' is the correct answer.