An agar plate streaked with microorganisms isolated from a deep-water sponge. Individual colonies may be seen at the center right.

Ascomycete fungi growing on agar plates

An agar plate is a Petri dish that contains agar and some nutrients (food for the microorganisms). It is used to grow microorganisms. For example, a blood sample of a patient may be put on agar plate, to let the bacteria that made the patient sick grow. These bacteria can then be identified using a microscope to let the doctor choose the appropriate treatment of the patient.

When microorganisms grow on the agar plate, they form colonies. Each colony has similar genetic characteristics.