Answer :
Final answer:
Mannitol salt agar selects for Staphylococcus aureus by inhibiting susceptible bacteria with salt and using mannitol for differentiation through color change.
Explanation:
Mannitol salt agar is selective for Staphylococcus aureus because it contains a high salt concentration that inhibits the growth of bacteria susceptible to osmotic stress. Additionally, the medium contains mannitol, which is a fermentable substrate for some bacteria, allowing differentiation based on color change. Therefore, the correct answer is: O a. can withstand high salt concentration.
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