At what temperature does agar melt?

Agar melts at approximately 85°C. This temperature is significant because it allows agar to transition from a solid to a liquid state, making it suitable for preparing culture media for microbial growth. When agar is heated to this temperature, it becomes a clear liquid that can be mixed with nutrients and other components necessary for cultivating bacteria and fungi. Once the agar medium cools down to around 40-45°C, it solidifies again, providing a stable matrix for microbial colonies to grow. Agar's melting point is crucial for practical applications in microbiology, ensuring proper handling and preparation of media.