microbiology basic and clinical principles test bank Related

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A patient's sputum was stained using Ziehl-Neelsen method, which revealed red-colored bacilli on a blue background. What structural component of the cell is responsible for this staining property?

  • A. Mycolic acid
  • B. Capsule
  • C. Flagella
  • D. Endospores
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mycolic acid. Ziehl-Neelsen method is used to stain acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium species. Mycolic acid in the cell wall of these bacteria resists decolorization, leading to red-colored bacilli on a blue background. Capsule, flagella, and endospores do not play a role in this staining property. Capsules are usually stained using special techniques, flagella are not typically visible with this stain, and endospores are stained using the Schaeffer-Fulton method.