Unit 4: Microbial Characteristics and Identification
In this unit, we will examine the different shapes and arrangements of bacteria and compare and contrast bacteria with other microorganisms. We will also survey some of the methods (such as plating and staining) used to distinguish between organisms in order to diagnose the causes of infection. When a sample reaches the clinical lab, differential staining enables technicians to identify the shape, arrangement, and gram stain of the organism that the sample contains. This preliminary information, along with cultures, can be used to identify pathogenic microorganisms and isolate them from normal flora.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.