The Spore
Staining Method-Schaeffer
& Fulton's Method
AIM: To perform spore staining technique to
demonstrate the spore in a given culture
Principle
A spore is a dormant form of the bacterium that allows it to
survive in drastic environmental conditions. Spores have a tough outer covering
made of the protein keratin and are resistant to heat and chemicals. The
keratin also resists staining, so extreme measures must be taken to stain the
spore. In the Schaeffer-Fulton's method, a primary stain-malachite green is
forced into the spore by steaming the bacterial emulsion. Malachite green is
water soluble and has a low affinity for cellular material, so vegetative cells
may be decolourized with water. Vegetative cells are then counterstained with
safranin. Spores may be located in the middle of the cell, at the end of the
cell, or between the end and middle of the cell. Spore shape may also be of
diagnostic use. Spores may be spherical or elliptical. Members of the genus Corynebacterium
may exhibit club shaped swellings that might be confused with spores. Spore
staining distinguishes between true spores and these structures.
Procedure:
Results
Vegetative
cells: red
Spores:
green
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