Applying Staining Techniques to View and Identify Bacteria Essay

Abstract The main objective of this lab was to identify different bacteria by simple, negative, and gram staining. To view each bacteria cell, the bacteria was transferred aseptically to a slide, and they were then viewed by using oil immersion, by a light microscope. From this lab, it was determined that E. coli and B. megaterium are gram negative and B. subtilis and S. Marcesans are gram positive. Introduction The purpose of this lab was to view the different characteristics of bacteria by applying various staining techniques. It is important to know the make up if a certain bacteria so an antibiotic may be engineered to destroy the bacteria. From the gram stain, it was possible to determine which bacteria was gram positive or gram negative. This is important because gram-negative bacteria are generally more toxic (due to the lipopolysaccaride) are resistant to antibiotics than the gram-positive bacteria. Methods The materials used for this lab were: 1. A light microscope 2. Four glass slides 3. And inoculating loop 4. A Bunsen Burner 5. Bacteria (E.coli, S...