Lab 7: Structural stains: Endospore, capsule, and flagella

Question 1

What 2 genera produce endospores?

Answer 1

Bacillus & Clostridium

Question 2

Functions of capsules

Answer 2

adherence to surfaces and other bacteria contributing to biofilm formation; increases virulence

Question 3

What is a capsule?

Answer 3

tighly bound layers of the glycocalyx

Question 4

What are the reagents of an endospore stain?

Answer 4

Malachite green and safranin

Question 5

Bacillus anthracic, the causative agent of anthrax, is an endospore former. Why does this trait enhance its capabilities as a bioweapon?

Answer 5

Spores can be tough to kill and easy to disperse

Question 6

Clostridium perfringes is an obligate anaerobe (oxygen is toxic to it) and an endospore former. What is the benefit of an endospore former to Clostridium?

Answer 6

Clostridium forms an endospore to protect it from oxygen