Practice Staining Techniques to Identify Bacterial Shapes and Spores

• Employ multiple staining techniques
• Materials for 30 lab groups
• Time Required: ~75 minutes

Cocci, bacilli, and spirilliform types of bacteria are easy to see with the simple staining techniques employed in this investigation. Crystal violet and methylene blue stains reveal cellular morphology; in addition, carbol fuchsin stains spores, helping to illustrate how their formation protects bacteria when the organism is under stress. Tube cultures: Aquaspirillum serpens (spirillum), Bacillus cereus (bacillus), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (cocci). The set includes enough materials for 30 students, teacher’s guide, and instructions.

Canada: Containment Level 2 – PHAC License required.