What is often a physical property of SAB media important for fungal cultures?

SAB media, or Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, is specifically designed for culturing fungi, particularly yeasts and molds. One of its critical properties is the decreased pH. The acidic pH, typically around 5.5, is conducive to the growth of fungi while inhibiting many types of bacteria, which tend to thrive in neutral to alkaline environments. This selective property allows for the successful isolation and growth of fungal organisms in laboratory settings.

Other properties of SAB media, like its nutrient composition, including glucose, help support the growth of fungi, but the lowered pH is a defining characteristic that contributes significantly to the medium’s effectiveness for fungal cultures. The other options do not provide the same selective advantage for fungal growth.