Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
Culturing in artificial or synthetic media refers to growing microorganisms in a laboratory setting using nutrient-rich substances (like agar or broth) that do not contain living cells. For an organism to grow in such media, it must possess independent metabolic machinery to synthesize its own proteins and replicate its genetic material.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Bacteria: Correct. Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that possess their own cellular machinery (ribosomes, enzymes) for metabolism and reproduction. Most bacteria can be grown on artificial nutrient media (e.g., nutrient agar) in a laboratory.
- Fungi: Correct. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms (including yeasts and molds) that are heterotrophic. They have independent cellular structures and can be cultured on synthetic media, such as Sabouraud dextrose agar, which provides the necessary carbon and nitrogen sources.
- Virus: Incorrect. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. They lack cellular organization and metabolic machinery (such as ribosomes for protein synthesis). Consequently, they cannot replicate or survive on non-living artificial media. They require living host cells (such as chick embryos or cell lines) to multiply.
Key Takeaway
Viruses differ fundamentally from bacteria and fungi because they are obligate parasites requiring a living host for replication and cannot be cultured in cell-free synthetic media.