What is the primary function of differential media in microbiology?

Differential media play a crucial role in microbiology by allowing for the identification and differentiation of various bacterial species based on their biological characteristics. This type of media contains specific nutrients or indicators that enable certain bacteria to exhibit distinct metabolic processes, resulting in visible changes, such as color shifts or the formation of specific colonies. For example, a differential medium might contain a pH indicator that changes color in response to acid produced by fermenting bacteria, making it easier to distinguish between lactose fermenters and non-fermenters.

While the other options highlight important aspects of microbiological growth conditions, they do not capture the primary purpose of differential media. Inhibiting bacterial growth would typically be a characteristic of selective media, while providing nutrients is more related to general growth media. Similarly, maintaining the pH of the environment is important for various types of media but is not exclusive to differential media and does not address the key feature of distinguishing between different microorganisms.