Topic 9: Negative Staining

Does the negative stain technique stain the bacteria?

no

What does the negative stain technique stain?

background

In negative staining, the bacteria appears ___ against the stained background.

clear

Why does negative staining technique not stain the bacteria?

because of ionic replusion

What is ionic replusion?

replusion of like charges

What charge does the bacteria and the acidic stain have?

negative

Is heat fixing or strong chemicals used during negative staining?

no

Why is heat fixing or strong chemical not used during negative staining?

bacteria is less disorted

Why can negative staining be useful?

in situations where other staining techniques don't clearly indicate cell morphology or size