Bacteria

Principle
Bacteria are real life artists: Some of the organisms belonging to this group find adequate life conditions everywhere on earth, in the depths of the oceans, on highest mountains, in hot springs, and in the Arctic. Bacteria can be compared with regard to various aspects, whether they are pathogens or of beneficial use, whether they can only survive or die in an atmosphere containing oxygen. Today you will learn to differentiate bacteria on account of their various shapes.

Benefits

• Two proven methods to visualize bacteria
• Easily available samples are used
   

Tasks

1. Detect bacteria using an appropriate microscope
2. Describe the shape of bacteria in a hay infusion and in a yoghurt drink
   

Learning objectives

• Bacteria
• Pathogens
• Staining

For visualizing bacteria a light microscope with 1000x magnification is required!