Staining is a technique used to enhance contrast in microscopic specimens by applying dyes that bind to specific cellular components. This process helps in identifying and differentiating various microorganisms under a microscope.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Gram staining differentiates bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative based on cell wall composition.
Simple stains use a single dye, while differential stains use multiple dyes to differentiate structures.
The acid-fast stain is crucial for identifying Mycobacterium species, including the tuberculosis-causing bacterium.
Negative staining highlights the capsules of microorganisms by staining the background instead of the cells.
Heat-fixing is often required before staining to kill and adhere microorganisms to the slide.