Question 1

Which bacterial structure is primarily responsible for resistance to phagocytosis and plays a role in immunity and adhesion?

Accepted Answer

Capsule (slime layer)

Question 2

Why is heat fixing generally avoided when preparing a capsule stain?

Accepted Answer

Heat fixing destroys the delicate capsule structure

Question 3

Which genus of bacteria is known for producing endospores that allow survival in harsh conditions?

Accepted Answer

Bacillus

Question 4

During the Schaeffer-Fulton endospore staining method, what color do vegetative cells appear after staining?

Accepted Answer

Pink

Question 5

What is the primary stain used in the Schaeffer-Fulton method for endospore staining?

Accepted Answer

Malachite green

Question 6

Which step in the capsule staining procedure is crucial to avoid washing off the capsule?

Accepted Answer

Air drying the smear

Question 7

In the alternative capsule staining method, what is the role of 20% copper sulfate?

Accepted Answer

It decolorizes the capsule and allows it to appear as a halo

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why endospores are difficult to stain?

Accepted Answer

Endospores possess a tough protein coat called the exosporium

Question 9

A patient presents with pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Which bacterial structure is most likely helping the pathogen evade the host immune system?

Accepted Answer

Capsule

Question 10

Which staining method uses carbolfuchsin as the primary stain for endospores?

Accepted Answer

Dorner method

Question 11

What is the main function of the bacterial capsule in oral bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans?

Accepted Answer

To attach to surfaces and form dental plaque

Question 12

Which of the following statements about endospores is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Endospores contain less water, making them more heat resistant

Question 13

During capsule staining, why is negative staining used?

Accepted Answer

To stain the background, making the capsule visible as a clear area

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the capsule staining procedure using Klebsiella pneumoniae?

Accepted Answer

Air dry, apply crystal violet, rinse with water

Question 15

Which structure is NOT typically stained in a capsule stain?

Accepted Answer

Capsule

Question 16

If a bacterial smear is heat fixed before capsule staining, what is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Capsule will be destroyed and not visible

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the appearance of a capsule after staining with crystal violet and copper sulfate?

Accepted Answer

Capsule appears light blue or as a halo

Question 18

Why is heat used as a mordant in the Schaeffer-Fulton endospore staining method?

Accepted Answer

To drive the primary stain into the tough endospore coat

Question 19

Which of the following bacteria is most likely to be found in dental plaque due to its capsule?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcus mutans

Question 20

A microbiologist observes a light blue halo around bacteria after staining with crystal violet and copper sulfate. What structure is being visualized?

Accepted Answer

Capsule

Special Staining Techniques: Spore and Capsule Staining in Bacteria

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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