Heat fixing

Definition

Heat fixing is a technique used in microscopy to adhere a specimen to a slide and kill the microorganisms without distorting their structure. This process involves briefly passing the slide through a flame.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Heat fixing helps prevent the specimen from washing away during staining.
2. It kills bacteria, making them safer to handle.
3. The process preserves the overall shape of microorganisms for better visualization.
4. Overheating can distort cellular structures, so it must be done carefully.
5. Heat fixing is typically performed before staining techniques such as Gram staining.

Review Questions

Related terms

Gram Staining:

A method of differentiating bacterial species into Gram-positive and Gram-negative.

Simple Staining:

A technique that uses a single stain to color cells, making them more visible under a microscope.

Fixation:

The process of preserving tissues or cells by using chemical or physical means to maintain their structure for examination.