THE VIRTUAL EDGE: Lab 4 Bacterial Staining Techniques III

Capsule Stain

Many bacteria are surrounded by a slimy layer called a capsule that usually consists of a highly hydrated layer of polysaccharide or in a few cases polypeptide. The capsule can have a number of different functions, helping bacteria escape phagocytic white blood cells, protecting against bacteriophage infection, dehydration or facilitating the adherence of bacteria to surfaces. Staining of the capsule requires that the cells NOT be heat-fixed, since any exposure to heat destroys the capsule.

Lab 4 / Endospore Stain / Capsule Stain / Lab 4 Organisms

Please take a few minutes to fill out a brief survey about your experience using the Virtual Edge: https://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/MOLB_SURVEY/

Please email comments/problems to cboggs@uwyo.edu

Rachel Watson, M.S.
AG 5010
766-3524
Cell: 307-760-2942
rwatson@uwyo.edu

Microbiology Lecture WebsiteMicrobiology Lab WebsiteThe Virtual Edge Homepage

Creative Commons License
The Virtual Edge by http://www.uwyo.edu/virtual_edge/ is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License