If colonies are present within a zone of inhibition the zone must be measured in terms of the ____. radiusdiameterresistancesusceptibility

If colonies are present within a zone of inhibition, the zone must be measured in terms of the ____.

To answer this question, we need to understand the concept of a zone of inhibition. In microbiology, a zone of inhibition refers to an area around a disc or well on an agar plate where the growth of microorganisms is inhibited due to the presence of an antimicrobial agent.

When colonies are present within this zone, it indicates that the antimicrobial agent was not effective in completely inhibiting their growth. Therefore, the zone needs to be measured to determine the extent of inhibition.

To measure the zone of inhibition, we have two options: radius or diameter. The radius is the distance from the center of the zone to its outer edge, while the diameter is the distance across the zone, passing through its center.

In this case, the question asks us to choose between radius, diameter, resistance, or susceptibility as the correct term to measure the zone of inhibition. Since we are measuring a distance, the correct term to use is either radius or diameter.

To determine which term is more appropriate, we need to consider the context and convention in microbiology. In most cases, the zone of inhibition is measured using the diameter. This is because it provides a more accurate and standardized measurement compared to the radius.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "diameter."