Laboratory Study Guide - Staining Techniques and Culture Media

A series of flashcards focused on key terms and definitions from Laboratory topics including staining techniques, culture media, and sterilization methods.

Bunsen burner

A gas burner used in laboratories to sterilize tools and perform experiments.

Staining

The process of applying dyes to microorganisms to provide contrast under a microscope.

Simple stain

A staining method that colors the entire cell to observe its shape, size, and arrangement.

Differential stain

A staining technique that helps distinguish between different types or structures of cells.

Gram staining

A method developed by Christian Gram to differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Virulence factor

Traits of a bacterium that contribute to its ability to cause disease.

Acid-fast staining

A staining technique used primarily for mycobacteria, indicating presence of mycolic acid.

Endospore staining

A method used to visualize bacterial endospores, which are resistant to harsh conditions.

Culture media

Substances that provide nutrients and support for microbial growth.

Autoclaving

A sterilization method that uses steam under pressure to kill microorganisms.

Viable plate count

A method used to estimate the number of living bacteria in a sample.

Aseptic technique

Procedures followed to prevent contamination during laboratory experiments.

Capsule staining

A method to detect bacterial capsules, revealing their protective nature against phagocytosis.

Crystal violet

The primary stain used in Gram staining to color Gram-positive bacteria.

Iodine

A mordant used in Gram staining to form a complex with crystal violet.

Malachite green

The primary stain used for endospore staining, effective in identifying spore formers.

Methylene Blue

A counterstain used in various staining processes to visualize cells.

Decolorizer

A substance (like alcohol) used in Gram staining to remove the primary stain from certain bacteria.