Staining Methods Flashcards

Flashcards covering Gram staining procedures, bacterial classification based on staining, and specific staining methods for Mycobacterium and bacterial structures.

Gram-stain purpose

Used to identify Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria based on the composition of the cell wall.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that remain purple after the staining process.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that appear red or pink after the staining process from the safranin counterstain.

Microscopic identification

The color and shape of an organism can be identified under a microscope.

Crystal violet

The purple dye used in Step 1 of the Gram stain process, which is absorbed by all cells.

lodine

A mordant used in Step 2 of the Gram stain process to cover the smear.

Ethyl alcohol

The substance used to coat the slide in Step 4 of the Gram stain process.

Safranin

The counterstain applied to the slide in Step 6 of the Gram stain process.

Acid-fast stain

A staining method used to identify all bacteria classified in the genus Mycobacterium.

Simple stains

Stains sufficient for determining the shape of bacteria and viewing basic structures.

Special stains

An overall term describing several staining methods used to identify specific structures and the presence of a capsule.

Flagella staining

A tedious staining procedure that uses a mordant and the stain carbolfuchsin.