Microbiology: An Introduction (13th Edition)
Microbiology: An Introduction (13th Edition)
13th Edition
ISBN: 9780134605180
Author: Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke, Christine L. Case, Derek Weber, Warner Bair
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 3, Problem 1A
Summary Introduction

To write:

The omitted step in a Gram stain method that allow differentiation of Gram-positive and Gram-negative cells.

Given:

“Gram stain” “differentiation “and “omitted step

Introduction:

In 1884, the Danish scientist Hans Christian Joachim Gramis discovered the Gram staining procedure to differentiate the bacteria into two groups, Gram-positive and Gram-negative. It is the preliminary step to identify the staining characteristics of bacteria based on the morphology and arrangement, which is observed under the light microscope.

The main principle of Gram stain is used to differentiate based on the color retaining ability of the stain. Gram-positive bacteria retains crystal violet and appears violet or purple in color under the microscope. Since, the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria contain thicker peptidoglycan layer. So, it retains the stain during ethanol decolonization step. Whereas in the Gram-negative with thinner peptidoglycan layer denatured during ethanol step and retains the secondary stain (safranin) and appears pink color under the microscopic examination.

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Students have asked these similar questions
1. Why is it important to use a small amount of bacteria when making a smear? Give at least 2 reasons. 2. What are the two reasons for “fixing” a smear? 3. Simple staining is useful for determining what three characteristics of a bacterial cell? 4. With respect to bacteria, define morphological arrangement. Explain thoroughly!
7. Use the image to answer the following questions: (2) A student collects some of this bacteria to create a slide then performs a Gram stain as shown here: A. How many different types of bacteria are growing on the petri dish? B. How do you know (how can you tell the difference between the types of bacteria)? C. What is the Gram reaction and morphology of these cells? D. Based on the Gram stain, could this colony be used to grow pure culture? How do you know?
microbiology lab experiment: Simple and Differential staining, Bacterial Shapes Why do the slides have to be heat-fixed before staining? What would happen if the slides were not heat-fixed and then stained?
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