Microbiology
Introduction:
Biological organisms are classified uniformly in order to easily categorize and identify organisms. This classification, or taxonomy, uses the genus name followed by the species name, in Latin. By having a universal method of identifying bacteria allows for all scientists from any part of the world to identify the same species in an identical manner allowing for a precise of classification.
Bacteria are distributed throughout the world in almost every conceivable habit. Bacteria are unicellular microorganisms, with variable shapes and nutritional needs. They lack a distinct nucleus and occur singly or in chains or clusters and form distinct colonies.
Bacteria are classified on the basis of many characteristics. Morphological and physiological features such as cell shape, motility, formation of spores and other distinguishable structures, and reaction to Gram stain is a good start in identifying bacteria. Other staining techniques such as Acid Fast stain are also useful in determining species. More important in identification of a genus and species of bacteria are biological tests, including the determination of the types of nutrients a cell can use, the products of its metabolism, and the response to specific chemicals. Other factors that can assist in identification of bacteria are their ecological habitats and more advanced methods such as genetic and molecular composition.
Using various techniques one is able to distinguish and ultimately assign then genus and species of the unknown bacteria.
Methods:
Gram Staining: The Gram stain separates bacteria in two distinct classes and is also useful in distinguishing morphology. Through this technique one is able to identify bacteria as either gram positive or gram negative. The gram-negative bacteria have thin peptidoglycan layers that do not hold the primary stain, rather the secondary stain, staining red in...
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