Gas pack is commonly used to grow:
**Core Concept**
Gas packs are used in microbiology laboratories to create an anaerobic environment for the growth of certain microorganisms that require low oxygen levels. These packs typically contain chemicals that absorb oxygen, creating a low-oxygen atmosphere.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is likely to be an anaerobic bacterium, such as Clostridium difficile. Anaerobic bacteria lack cytochrome c oxidase, which is necessary for aerobic respiration. As a result, they rely on anaerobic respiration, which produces lactic acid or other end products as byproducts. Gas packs provide the necessary anaerobic environment for these bacteria to grow and multiply.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is likely to be an aerobic bacterium, such as Escherichia coli, which requires oxygen for growth. Aerobic bacteria would not thrive in an anaerobic environment created by a gas pack.
**Option B:** This option is likely to be a fungus, which may or may not require oxygen for growth. However, fungi are not typically grown using gas packs, and anaerobic conditions may inhibit their growth.
**Option C:** This option is likely to be a virus, which does not require oxygen for growth. Viruses are not typically grown using gas packs, and anaerobic conditions do not affect their growth.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Anaerobic bacteria are commonly found in the human gut and can cause a range of infections, including diarrhea and abscesses. When growing anaerobic bacteria in the laboratory, it is essential to use gas packs to create an anaerobic environment.
**Correct Answer:** C.