Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

A rapid, simple method for staining bacterial flagella

C I Mayfield, W E Inniss

    Canadian Journal of Microbiology
    |September 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary

    A simplified flagellar staining method allows easy visualization of bacterial motility structures. This technique is ideal for routine bacterial examinations, requiring minimal preparation and offering clear results with standard microscopy.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Naturally occurring apatite as a source of orthophosphate for growth of bacteria and algae.

    Microbial ecology·2013
    Same author

    Interactions between freshwater bacteria andAnkistrodesmus braunii in batch and continuous culture.

    Microbial ecology·2013
    Same author

    Effect of temperature on violacein production in a psychrotrophicChromobacterium from Lake Ontario sediment.

    Microbial ecology·2013
    Same author

    Effects of paraquat on selected microbial activities in soil.

    Microbial ecology·2013
    Same author

    Measurement of Electron Transport System (ETS) activity in soil.

    Microbial ecology·2013
    Same author

    Microbial decomposition of leaf material at 0°C.

    Microbial ecology·2013

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Cell Biology
    • Microscopy Techniques

    Background:

    • Bacterial flagella are crucial for motility and virulence.
    • Accurate visualization of flagella is essential for bacterial identification and characterization.
    • Existing flagellar staining methods can be complex and time-consuming.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To describe a simple modification of Gray's flagellar staining procedure.
    • To provide a rapid and effective method for visualizing bacterial flagella.
    • To facilitate routine examination of bacterial motility.

    Main Methods:

    • A modified Gray's staining procedure was applied to air-dried bacterial smears and wet mounts.
    • Stained flagella were observed using phase-contrast and bright-field microscopy.
    • The method eliminates the need for rigorous slide cleaning, counterstains, or washing steps.

    Main Results:

    • The modified staining procedure successfully visualized bacterial flagella.
    • The technique is applicable to both fixed (air-dried) and live (wet mount) motile bacteria.
    • Observation is possible with standard phase-contrast or bright-field light microscopy.

    Conclusions:

    • This simple flagellar staining modification offers a practical and efficient approach for routine microbiological examinations.
    • The method's ease of use and minimal requirements make it suitable for rapid bacterial motility assessment.
    • Enhanced visualization of flagella aids in the study of bacterial structure and function.

    Related Experiment Videos