University at Albany Types of Bacteria Discussion Questions

PART I

Gram Stain

Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, conduct your research on the Gram stain. Based on your research, respond to the following:

• What is Gram staining?
• What is its significance?
• What is the procedure of the Gram stain?
• How did the advent of this technique change our understanding of microbiology?

PART II

Antimicrobial Agents

Using the Online Library or the Internet, research about antimicrobial agents. Based on your research, respond to the following:

• What are the four basic methods by which antimicrobial agents work? Describe using examples.
• How and why only one of the four methods is said to destroy all microbial life, including bacterial endospores?
• Explain.