Microbiology with Diseases by Body System - Chapter 4: Microscopy, Staining, and Classification

These flashcards cover key concepts from chapter 4 of microbiology, including methods of microscopy, staining techniques, and classification systems.

Microscopy

The use of various techniques to magnify small objects, such as microorganisms, making them visible.

Resolution

The ability to distinguish two close points as separate; the higher the resolution, the clearer the image.

Contrast

The differences in intensity between two objects or an object and its background, important for improving the visibility of specimens.

Bright-Field Microscope

A type of light microscope that uses visible light to illuminate the specimen, often requiring staining to enhance contrast.

Phase Microscopes

Microscopes designed to analyze living specimens, creating contrast due to variations in light waves, used without staining.

Fluorescence Microscopes

Microscopes that use UV light to excite fluorescent dyes in specimens, allowing specific structures to be visualized.

Gram Stain

A common method for distinguishing between Gram-positive (purple) and Gram-negative (pink) bacteria based on their cell wall composition.

Dichotomous Key

A tool used for identifying organisms based on a series of paired statements that offer two choices.

Electron Microscopy

A microscopy technique that uses electrons instead of light to observe small objects, offering much greater magnification and resolution.

Taxonomy

The science of classification of organisms, aiding in their identification and understanding of evolutionary relationships.