Name a common method for culturing bacteria in the lab.

The agar plate method is a common technique used in microbiology for culturing bacteria. This method involves inoculating a solid growth medium, typically an agar plate, with a sample containing the bacteria of interest. As the bacteria grow, they form discrete colonies on the surface of the agar, allowing for easy identification and isolation of specific strains. This method is particularly advantageous because it facilitates the differentiation of colonies based on their morphological characteristics and allows for the enumeration of viable cells.

The use of agar as a solid medium provides a stable environment for bacteria to grow, while also making it possible to incorporate various nutrients and selective agents tailored to the bacterial species being studied. This method is fundamental in microbiology for identifying pathogens, performing antibiotic susceptibility tests, and understanding microbial growth patterns.

In contrast, the other options, while related to microbiology, do not primarily serve as culturing methods. The fume hood technique focuses on providing a sterile environment for handling potentially hazardous substances. Microscope examination is a technique used to visualize and study microbial structures rather than grow them. The filtration method can be involved in the separation of microorganisms from a solution but is not primarily a culturing technique.