Why is a gaspak anaerobic jar necessary for the culture of anaerobes on TSA plates but not in tubes of FTM?

Answer 1

TSA plates do not allow for the growth of anaerobes, becasue the entire culture is exposed to oxygen. So the TSA plates require the gaspak to provide an anaerobic condition.

FTM does allow for the growth of anaerobes and aerobes. Anaerobes will be found deep in the soln. away from the oxygen, and aerobes will be found at the top, with facultatives inbetween.

Answer 2

The gaspak anaerobic jar creates an anaerobic environment by removing oxygen and replacing it with a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, necessary for the growth of anaerobes on TSA plates. In contrast, the tubes of FTM (fluid thioglycollate medium) contain a reducing agent that helps to create an anaerobic environment without the need for a gaspak anaerobic jar.