Negative Stain/Acid Fast

What is found in acid fast bacteria that makes their cell walls waxy?

mycolic acid (waxy lipids)

How do acid fast organisms appear under a microscope?

Appear red

How do non-acid fast bacteria appear under the microscope?

Appear blue

What decolorizer is used in a acid fast stain?

acid alcohol

Which dyes are used in an acid fast stain

-Carbol fuchsin

-Methylene blue

Name an example of an acid fast bacterium

Mycobacterium

why do acid fast bacteria resist decolorization of carbol fuchsin?

their cell walls contain large amounts of mycolic acids, which are waxy, hydrophobic lipids that retain the carbol fuchsin dye once it enters the cell

Why is an acid fast stain done via a steamer?

Heat helps the stain penetrate the waxy cell wall