Which media would you use to distinguish between different species of bacteria?

Differential media are specifically designed to differentiate between various species of bacteria based on their physiological differences, such as metabolic capabilities or the production of specific enzymes. This type of media typically contains indicators, such as pH indicators or dyes, that can produce visible changes when a particular biochemical reaction occurs. For example, certain differential media can change color when a bacterium ferments a specific sugar, allowing for easy visual identification of the bacterium based on its metabolic activity.

In contrast, enrichment media are intended to enhance the growth of certain bacteria, making it possible to isolate them from a mixed population, but they do not specifically allow for differentiation between species. Selective media, on the other hand, inhibit the growth of unwanted bacteria while allowing specific bacteria to grow, but they do not provide the necessary biochemical indicators to distinguish between species. Liquid culture media are used for the general growth of bacteria but lack the specific components needed for differentiation.

Therefore, differential media are the most appropriate choice to identify and distinguish between different species of bacteria based on their unique metabolic characteristics.