What is the purpose of a Petri dish?

A Petri dish is specifically designed to culture microorganisms, which makes it an essential tool in microbiology and various biological experiments. Its shallow, flat design provides a large surface area for growing bacteria, fungi, and other types of cells in a controlled environment, typically with a nutrient-rich medium poured into it.

Using a Petri dish allows scientists to observe the growth patterns of microorganisms, test the effectiveness of antibiotics, and study various biological processes. The transparent material also enables easy observation without disturbing the culture. Unlike other laboratory tools, a Petri dish is not intended for heating, volume measurement, or safe chemical storage, which highlights its specialized function in microbiological studies.