Colony - GCSE Biology Definition

In GCSE Biology, the term 'colony' refers to a group of the same type of microorganisms, like bacteria or fungi, that live and grow together in a closely packed cluster. These colonies usually start from a single cell that multiplies, forming a visible mass on a solid surface, like an agar plate in a laboratory. Each colony arises from one parent cell, and the cells within it are genetically identical, which is helpful for scientists who want to study the behaviour and characteristics of these microorganisms in a controlled environment. Colonies can vary in colour, shape, and size, providing important clues for identifying and understanding different species.