Basis of differentiation | Selective media | Differential media |
Definition | Selective media are utilized to encourage the growth of particular microorganisms while inhibiting the growth of others | Differential media are types of substances used to distinguish one organisms from another |
Process | Uses unique growth characteristics of a microorganism to select it from the others | Uses specific growth patterns of microorganisms to differentiate them from others |
Number of microorganisms | Only permits the growth of a single microorganism in the medium | Permit several closely related microorganism to grow in the medium |
Indicators | Do not use indicators | Use indicators |