Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
I am conducting an experiment involving the identification of bacteria through viewing them under a microscope. I was looking for suggestions on sites or books with pictures of different bacteria that would be best for comparing the bacteria I am viewing with.
Thanks.

Hi Kristen,

In order to help you better, could you please tell me what type of bacteria you are looking for specifically.

As a heads up, be aware that there are millions of bacteria that could grow and the only way to know for sure which bacterium you have is by taking your sample to a lab for analysis. Also depending on your projects conditions, you may accidently get fungi and protozoa growing as well.


Adam

Hi Kristen,

Adam is right; we do need to know a little more about what you are doing to help you. Most bacteria are very small, about 1-5 microns and are either spheres or rods. Although there are many types of bacteria, most look very similar under a microscope.

Here is a website that includes photographs of bacteria. Please notice that a scanning electron microscope is required to get really good detail for viewing bacteria:

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&s ... CB4QsAQwAA

Bacteria have traditionally been identified by a Gram stain and by growth on different types of media. Here are a couple of website that describe a traditional approach.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gram_staining

http://microbeid.com/

http://microbiology.suite101.com/articl ... f_bacteria

Newer techniques for identifying bacteria include DNA analysis.

The science buddies website also has excellent information on microbiological techniques.

http://sciencebuddies.com/science-fair- ... ndex.shtml

So what type of bacteria are you looking at under the microscope? And, what magnification are you using?


Donna Hardy