Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In the capsule staining procedure, which of the following components is stained first?
A
The bacterial cell
B
The background
C
The capsule
D
The cell wall
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of capsule staining: Capsule staining is a differential staining technique used to visualize the capsule of certain bacteria. The capsule is a gelatinous outer layer that can protect bacteria from phagocytosis.
Identify the components involved in the staining process: The components typically include the bacterial cell, the capsule, and the background.
Recognize the order of staining: In capsule staining, the primary stain is applied first to color the bacterial cell. This is often done using a basic dye that adheres to the cell surface.
Consider the role of the background stain: After staining the bacterial cell, an acidic stain is used to color the background. This creates a contrast between the stained cell and the unstained capsule.
Conclude the process: The capsule itself remains unstained and appears as a clear halo around the stained bacterial cell against the colored background. This allows for the visualization of the capsule.