In the capsule staining procedure, which of the following components is stained first?

• A. The bacterial cell
• B. The background
• C. The capsule
• D. The cell wall

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of capsule staining: Capsule staining is a differential staining technique used to visualize the capsule of certain bacteria. The capsule is a gelatinous outer layer that can protect bacteria from phagocytosis.
2. Identify the components involved in the staining process: The components typically include the bacterial cell, the capsule, and the background.
3. Recognize the order of staining: In capsule staining, the primary stain is applied first to color the bacterial cell. This is often done using a basic dye that adheres to the cell surface.
4. Consider the role of the background stain: After staining the bacterial cell, an acidic stain is used to color the background. This creates a contrast between the stained cell and the unstained capsule.
5. Conclude the process: The capsule itself remains unstained and appears as a clear halo around the stained bacterial cell against the colored background. This allows for the visualization of the capsule.