HTHSCI 2HH3 Lecture 2: Lecture 2 Intro to MicroBio Structure, Function, Reproduction & Classification of Microorganisms
22 Feb 2019
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Document Summary
Most bacteria do not retain the dye carbol fuchsin after treatment with acidic alcohol. Mycobacterium species (e. g. mycobacterium tuberculosis) contain a waxy material (mycolic acids) in their cell wall which retains the stain. Acid fast stains are used specifically when mycobacterial infections are suspected. Organisms covered by waxy material & act like wax paper. Mycolic acid surrounds material & as a result can"t gram stain. Acid fast stains are used when tuberculosis is suspected. Need to let lab know tb is suspected. How bacteria react to oxygen is useful for classification. Bacteria can be classified according to their ability to tolerate oxygen. Molecular oxygen is highly reactive, and toxic to bacteria unless it is inactivated by enzymes produced by bacteria. Enzymes that bacteria use to detoxify reactive oxygen products include: Some bacterias like oxygen & others cannot tolerate it at all. Those that can"t tolerate oxygen do not abilities to tolerate oxidative stress.
