What is a Petri dish typically used for?

The correct answer is the use of a Petri dish to culture bacteria and other microorganisms. Petri dishes provide a shallow, flat surface that is ideal for growing cultures in a controlled environment. Typically made of glass or clear plastic, these dishes are filled with agar, a gelatinous substance derived from algae that serves as a nutrient medium for the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

Researchers and microbiologists utilize Petri dishes to observe microbial colonies, assess the effects of different substances on microbial growth, and conduct experiments related to microbiology in general. The transparent nature of the dish allows for easy visualization and examination of the cultures without disturbing them.

In contrast, the other options detail uses that are not typical for a Petri dish. Storing chemical reagents would generally require specific containers designed for safely holding chemicals, while measuring liquid volumes typically involves graduated cylinders or pipettes. Preparing tissue samples is often performed using slides intended for microscopes rather than Petri dishes, which are unsuitable for maintaining the integrity and organization of delicate tissue specimens.