Differential staining is a technique used in microbiology to distinguish between different types of microorganisms or cellular components. It involves using multiple stains that react differently with various cell structures.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The Gram stain is the most common type of differential staining, distinguishing between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Acid-fast staining is a type of differential staining used specifically to identify Mycobacterium species.
Differential stains can reveal structural features such as cell walls, capsules, and endospores.
Differential staining often involves a primary stain, a decolorizing agent, and a counterstain to achieve contrasting colors.
The results of differential staining are critical for microbial identification and subsequent treatment decisions in clinical settings.