Summary A series of tests was done with Microbe #1R for identification. A Gram stain was done it reveal a gram positive cocci result. A streak plate was completed revealing that the microbe was round/filamentous, convex, erose, granular, yellow, and opaque. The next test was the Tryptic Soy Agar plate for color. Followed by the oxidase test and last was the Mannitol Salt Agar test. Thus microbe #1R was Sporosarcina ureae (Brady, Personal Communication).
Procedure of the Gram stain Purpose: The Gram stain reveals whether a microbe is gram positive or gram negative. It also reveals if the microbe is bacilli or cocci in shape and the arrangement …show more content…
Timing of each chemical used in the Gram staining is very important for an accurate outcome. Time for the crystal violet was changed from 20 seconds to 15 seconds to prevent over staining (Harley, …show more content…
Not using a drop of water could cause the microbe not to spread evenly. Heat-fixing is used in the Gram staining. For instance, heating the slide too long could cause it to break. If the inoculation loop is too hot before handling the specimen it can distort the cell shape (Harley, 2014). Timing of the chemicals is also important to Gram staining. These chemicals are crystal violet, gram iodine, decolorizing, and safranin. However, if the chemicals are not followed correctly it can cause a negative reading and will show a distortion in the cell shape (Harley, 2014). Over staining of the slide can cause a false positive and distortion of the cell shape. This can be prevented by correctly timing the use of the crystal violet and the other chemicals (Harley, 2014). A culture older than twenty-four hours can have a negative reading. It is important to use a fresh culture. Bibulous paper is used to dry the slide. However, if the pressure or friction is too hard it could rub the microbe away. Therefore, when one follows the directions carefully and correctly errors can be prevented (Harley,