What laboratory technique is commonly used to identify bacterial species based on their cell wall characteristics?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What laboratory technique is commonly used to identify bacterial species based on their cell wall characteristics?
PCR
Gram staining
ELISA
Western blotting
Gram staining is a differential staining technique that classifies bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative based on their cell wall structure.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What laboratory technique is commonly used to identify bacterial species based on their cell wall characteristics?
Solution: Gram staining is a differential staining technique that classifies bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative based on their cell wall structure.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that bacteria can be classified based on their cell wall structure.
Step 2: Learn about the Gram staining technique, which is used to differentiate bacteria.
Step 3: Know that Gram staining involves applying a series of dyes to the bacteria.
Step 4: Recognize that after staining, bacteria will appear either purple (Gram-positive) or pink (Gram-negative).
Step 5: Remember that the color change helps identify the type of bacteria based on their cell wall characteristics.