Stains, Bacterial Shapes, and Arrangements

Question 1

Stain

Answer 1

A dye used to see the cells of microorganisms

Question 2

Chromophore

Answer 2

An atom that is positively or negatively charged whose is responsible for the color of a compound

Question 3

Simple Stain

Answer 3

Cells are stained one color

Question 4

Acidic stains

Answer 4

The chromophore of an acid dye is negatively charged. Therefore, it will stain the surrounding of the microorganism.

Question 5

What is the process used for a bacterial smear?

Answer 5

1. Place a drop of water onto the glass slide
2. Smear the bacteria
3. Air dry
4. Heat fixation
5. Add stain
6. Wait 1 minute
7. Rinse & pat dry

Question 6

How do you describe the shape of bacteria?

Answer 6

Spherical: Coccus (pl. Cocci)
Rod: Bacillus (pl. Bacilli)
Spirals

Question 7

Prefix: Strephto

Answer 7

Twisted chain

Question 8

Prefix: Staphylo

Answer 8

Looks like a bunch of grapes

Question 9

Prefix: Sarcina

Answer 9

A pack or bundle

Question 10

Name a few bacterial arrangements

Answer 10

• Diplobacilli
• Streptococci
• Tetrad
• Corkscrew
• Palisades

Question 11

Differential Stain

Answer 11

Dyed more than one color to differentiate between cells

Question 12

Gram Stain

Answer 12

Used to identify bacterial infections

Question 13

Positive Gram Stain

Answer 13

Cells have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in the cell wall that retains the stain color crystal violet

Question 14

Negative Gram Stain

Answer 14

Cells have a thinner peptidoglycan layer that allows the crystal violet to wash out turning into a pink color

Question 15

Pleomorphism

Answer 15

Variation in cell shape and size within a single species