Bacterial cells, which in general have dimensions lying between 1-4 µm, are resolved only with difficulty under the light microscope. At magnifications of 400 times natural size, large bacteria stained in methyl violet can just be seen as small, dark specks. Providing the resolution of the light microscope is good, higher magnifications (e.g., 1000x or 1500x) do reveal a little more of the internal structure of bacterial cells. The light photomicrograph (see image below) shows a single type of bacterial cell treated with Giemsa stain. Measure the length of cell X, and assuming the actual length to be 3 um, calculate the actual magnification. - Cell X 1 2 Centimeters 211 12 13 14 15 Inches
Microscopic examination
The analysis of minute organisms, cellular organization of any biological structure, and composition of body fluids with the help of a microscope is known as microscopic examination. The magnification of specimens or samples under study helps in attaining a clearer picture of it.
Gram Staining
Named after Hans Christian Gram, a Danish bacteriologist, Gram stain is one of the most powerful staining techniques within microbiology. This technique was introduced in 1882 to identify pneumonia-causing organisms. The Gram staining technique uses crystal violet or methylene blue as primary staining colors to distinguish gram-positive from gram-negative organisms. Under a microscope, the gram-positive organisms appear purple-brown, retaining the primary color. Gram-negative organisms appear pink or red as they do not acquire the color of the primary stain.
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps