Chapter 10 -- Capsule Stain Flashcards
1
Q
Glycocalyx
A
literally means “sugar cover” – produced by some bacteria for protection
2
Q
Capsule
A
glycocalyx that is compact and firmly attached to cell wall
3
Q
Slime Layer
A
glycocalyx that is less compact and loosely attached to cell wall
4
Q
TO KNOW:
A
capsules are composed of polysaccharides (sugars) and/or polypeptides (amino acids)
- FUNCTIONS OF CAPSULE: energy and water reserves, means to evades host immune system, serve as an anchor or surface attachment mechanism
- capsules make bacteria sticky
- capsules attract water
- encapsulated forms are more virulent because of their ability to “hie” from immune system
- capsules can be destroyed by heat-fixing
5
Q
Streptococcus mutans
A
bacteria of the mouth that can cause dental caries
6
Q
Bacteria that produce capsules
A
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium, Neisseria and Bacillus anthracis
7
Q
Safranin or Crystal Violet
A
Primary Stain
8
Q
Copper Sulfate
A
Rinsing agent, decolorizer
