It’s a common and highly useful technique to identify bacteria, albeit not at a species level. You can also identify a bacteria by determining whether it’s gram positive or gram negative, which can be done through the bacterial slide staining process. For instance, the spirillum is a thick and durable spiral, while the spirochete is much more flexible and slender. Spiral – any bacteria that appears spiral is called a spiral bacteria. Examples of bacilli are diplobacilli (pairs) and streptobacilli (chains). Some examples include diplococci (pairs), streptococci (chains), and staphylococci (clusters).īacilli – are similar to cocci in the sense that they can either come as in individual bacteria or in groups. The name “cocci” comes from the spherical shape of the bacteria. Now, bacteria come in various shapes, with the three main types being spiral, bacilli, and cocci.Ĭocci – is the most common kind of bacteria, which typically appears in groups. How to identify microscope bacteria Image from Īs we mentioned above, it is possible (and quite easy) to identify bacteria under a microscope based on its physical characteristics, most especially the shape and size of the bacteria. Run a gentle stream of water on the surface of the slide to remove any excess stain.Īfter you’re done staining the slide, mount the stained slide on the stage of the microscope, secure with clips, and view the specimen, starting at lower magnifications before gradually increasing until you reach the desired level of detail you want to see.Cover each slide with your chosen stain. On a staining rack or paper towel, place the prepared bacteria slides side by side.There are various stains used for bacterial slides, with the most common ones being safranin, methylene blue, and crystal violet. This is because most bacteria can look transparent under the microscope without staining, but with staining, the different parts, cells, and structural components of the bacteria are more easily distinguishable against one another, including the membranes, cell wall, and cytoplasm. Staining is also an important part of preparing microscope slides of bacteria. Afterwards, flame the loop one more time. Mix the water on the slide with the bacteria on the inoculating loop.To prevent sample contamination, remember to observe and maintain your aseptic technique. Use the heated and cooled loop to remove a decent sized bacteria colony from the broth or agar plate.Prepare the smear by placing the inoculating loop in the blue flame part of a bunsen burner, allowing the loop to glow a bright red, then letting it cool.Use the inoculating loop to place a tiny drop of water on top of the marked spot.
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