In the development of techniques for growing a pure culture, who is credited with developing the culture plate (Petri dish) method that enabled isolation and identification of pathogens?

• A. Joseph Lister
• B. Robert Koch
• C. Louis Pasteur
• D. Julius Richard Petri

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context of microbiology and the development of techniques for isolating pure cultures of microorganisms.
2. Recognize that the culture plate method involves using a shallow, flat dish to grow microbial colonies separately, which allows for isolation and identification of pathogens.
3. Identify the scientist who invented the culture plate (Petri dish) method, which is named after him and widely used in microbiology labs.
4. Recall that Julius Richard Petri, an assistant to Robert Koch, developed this method to improve the process of growing and isolating bacteria on solid media.
5. Conclude that although other scientists like Joseph Lister, Robert Koch, and Louis Pasteur made significant contributions to microbiology, the Petri dish method is credited specifically to Julius Richard Petri.