Which of the following is a shared characteristic of both the pour plate and spread plate methods?

• A. Both methods involve the use of a sterile glass rod to spread the inoculum.
• B. Both methods require the agar to be pre-warmed before inoculation.
• C. Both methods can be used to isolate pure colonies from a mixed culture.
• D. Both methods result in colonies forming only on the surface of the agar.

Answer: (C)