York College - CUNY Bio 265L Lab Week #2

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the Bio 265L lab lecture on handling microbial cultures and performing simple stains.

Culture Medium

A substance that provides nutrients for the growth of microorganisms.

Sterilization

The process of removing or destroying all forms of microbial life.

Colony Forming Unit (CFU)

A measure used to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample.

Aseptic Transfer

A method used to transfer microorganisms without introducing contaminants.

Bunsen Burner

A gas burner used in laboratories to sterilize equipment and create an aseptic environment.

Direct Stain

A staining technique that colors the cells themselves without coloring the background.

Safranin

A basic dye used in microbiology for staining bacterial cells.

Methylene Blue

A basic dye often used in bacterial staining procedures.

Fixed Smear

A preparation method that adheres microbial cells to a slide to prevent them from washing away during staining.

Microscopic Observations

The examination of microorganisms under a microscope to study their morphology and arrangement.