Thallium acetate

Definition

Thallium acetate is a chemical compound used in microbiology for its selective toxicity towards certain bacterial species. It's often employed to isolate and study specific pathogens in respiratory tract infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thallium acetate inhibits the growth of non-target bacteria, allowing for easier identification of pathogens.
2. It is highly toxic and should be handled with extreme care in a laboratory setting.
3. Thallium acetate can be used to differentiate between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria due to its selective action.
4. In respiratory tract infection studies, it helps isolate pathogenic bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae from throat swabs.
5. Due to its toxicity, alternative less hazardous substances are sometimes preferred for similar applications.

Review Questions

• What is the primary use of thallium acetate in microbiological studies?
• Why must thallium acetate be handled with extreme caution?
• How does thallium acetate aid in identifying bacterial pathogens in respiratory tract infections?

Related terms

Selective Toxicity: The ability of a substance to target specific organisms or cells without affecting others.

Streptococcus pneumoniae: A type of bacteria commonly associated with respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.

Gram Staining: A method used to differentiate bacterial species into two groups based on their cell wall composition.