Microbiology history: who invented the Petri dish that revolutionized pure culture techniques?

Introduction / Context:
The development of pure culture techniques was vital for isolating and studying specific microbes. The Petri dish remains standard lab equipment for culturing bacteria and fungi on solid media.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked for the inventor of the Petri dish.
• We assume a basic history of microbiology setting involving Robert Koch and his laboratory.

Concept / Approach:
Julius Richard Petri, often cited as R. J. Petri, worked as an assistant to Robert Koch. He designed a shallow, lidded glass dish that prevented contamination while allowing observation and incubation of solid media, dramatically improving culture methods.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
History sources on Koch laboratory methods list Petri and other innovators like Fannie Hesse who suggested agar; together they advanced culturing techniques.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• B and C: Fabricated distractors not tied to accepted historical accounts.
• D: Incorrect because there is a correct named inventor.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing Petri with Koch or attributing the invention to a generic glassmaker; the dish is named for the scientist who proposed the design.

Final Answer:
R.J. Petri, an assistant of R. Koch