Podcast
Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Questions and Answers
What property of mycobacteria makes them acid-fast?
What property of mycobacteria makes them acid-fast?
- Their high lipid content in the cell wall (correct)
- Their resistance to antibiotics
- Their ability to survive in acidic environments
- Their ability to form spores
What component of the cell wall is responsible for the acid-fast property of M. tuberculosis?
What component of the cell wall is responsible for the acid-fast property of M. tuberculosis?
- Nucleic acids
- Carbohydrates
- Mycolic acids (correct)
- Proteins
What is the significance of the carbol fuchsin stain in identifying mycobacteria?
What is the significance of the carbol fuchsin stain in identifying mycobacteria?
- It helps to identify the shape of mycobacteria
- It helps to determine the antibiotic resistance of mycobacteria
- It helps to retain the stain despite subsequent treatment (correct)
- It helps to differentiate between different species of mycobacteria
Study Notes
Mycobacteria Properties
- Mycobacteria are acid-fast due to the high concentration of mycolic acids in their cell walls.
- Mycolic acids are long-chain, alpha-alkyl, beta-hydroxy fatty acids that create a hydrophobic environment, making the cells resistant to acidic and alkaline conditions.
- In M. tuberculosis, the cell wall component responsible for the acid-fast property is the unique mycolic acid-rich peptidoglycan layer.
Importance of Carbol Fuchsin Stain
- The carbol fuchsin stain is a critical diagnostic tool for identifying mycobacteria, particularly M. tuberculosis.
- This stain helps to differentiate mycobacteria from other bacteria due to their unique acid-fast properties.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the aerobic, acid-fast bacilli known as mycobacteria. Learn about their unique ability to retain the carbol fuchsin stain and the high lipid content of their cell wall that makes them acid-fast.
