Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

9. Microscopes

Simple Staining

Microbiology

9. Microscopes

Simple Staining

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Multiple Choice

There are two major types of simple stains used to better visualize microorganisms. What are these two types of simple stains and how do they differ?

Basic stain is a positively charged dye; Acidic stain is a neutral dye.

Basic stain is a positively charged dye; Acidic stain is a negatively charged dye.

Basic stain is an indirect stain; Acidic stain is a direct stain.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the purpose of simple stains in microbiology: Simple stains are used to enhance the visibility of microorganisms under a microscope by increasing contrast.

Identify the two major types of simple stains: Basic stains and acidic stains.

Explain the charge difference: Basic stains are positively charged dyes, which means they are attracted to the negatively charged components of microbial cells, such as nucleic acids and cell walls. Acidic stains are negatively charged dyes, which repel the negatively charged components of microbial cells.

Clarify the staining method: Basic stains are direct stains, meaning they directly stain the cells, making them visible against a lighter background. Acidic stains are indirect stains, which stain the background and leave the cells unstained, creating a silhouette effect.

Summarize the key differences: Basic stains are used to stain the cells directly due to their positive charge, while acidic stains stain the background due to their negative charge, highlighting the cells indirectly.