What is an agar plate primarily used for?

An agar plate is primarily used for growing bacteria because it provides a solid surface with nutrients that support microbial growth. Agar, a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed, serves as the solidifying agent in the medium, allowing for the cultivation of various microorganisms. The plate can be enriched with specific nutrients, selective agents, or indicators to facilitate the growth of certain types of bacteria while inhibiting others, making it an essential tool in microbiology for isolating and identifying microbial species.

As for the other options, while storing synthetic chemicals is a function of different types of containers, it is not what agar plates are designed for. Measuring pH levels is conducted with appropriate pH indicators and meters, not agar plates. Isolating nucleic acids typically involves techniques such as gel electrophoresis rather than the use of agar plates specifically, which are geared toward the growth of live cultures.