Microbiology


Feature Writer: Tami Port
Tami Port, MS, Tami Port

Microorganisms may be tiny, but the relatively new science of microbiology is huge! Prokaryotic bacteria, eukaryotic fungi, and nonliving viruses are just some of the microbes that affect our health and environment. Some are beneficial, others pathogens or opportunistic.

Articles and blogs cover the latest advancements, classic microbiology, book reviews, infectious disease, immunology, current events and more. Join in! Comment on the articles! Lets start a big discussion about something little!

Examples of some current Suite101 Microbiology articles...

What Are Bacteriophages?

Bacteria Gram Stain Test

and the Antibiotic Article Series including Mode of Action (MOA) of Penicillin

Full Microbiology blog
Salmonella typhimurium (pink) invading human cells, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH
feature articles
Tami Port

Jul 19, 2008

Blood Agar (BAP) Bacterial Growth Medium

In: Microbiology (general)

Blood Agar is a bacterial growth medium that can distinguish normal from pathogenic bacteria based on the interaction of sheep's blood and bacterial hemolytic enzymes. more...

Jul 19, 2008

MacConkey's Agar (MAC) Bacterial Growth Medium

In: Microbiology (general)

MacConkeys Agar is a special bacterial growth medium that is selective for Gram- bacteria and can differentiate those bacteria that are able to ferment lactose. more...

Jul 16, 2008

Test for Identification of Bacteria

In: Microbiology (general)

Gram, Acid Fast and Endospore Stains; MacConkey's, Mannitol Salt, and Blood Agar media as well as the API-20 test strip all provide information to identify microbes. more...

Jul 16, 2008

Selective Bacterial Growth Media

In: Microbiology (general)

Selective media inhibits the growth of certain microbes, providing general information regarding the bacteria that are able to grow on this specialized of agar. more...

Jul 15, 2008

Glycocalyx Bacterial Surface Coating

In: Microbiology (general)

Some bacteria have an additional layer outside of the cell wall called the glycocalyx. This coating of macromolecules protects the cell and helps it adhere to surfaces. more...

All feature articles in Microbiology

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feature blog
Tami Port

Jul 16, 2008

Bacterial Identification Technique

Use of Gram, Acid Fast & Endospore Stains; MacConkey's, Mannitol Salt, & Blood Agar media as well as the API-20 test strip to identify microbes.
There are several new articles in Suite101’s Microbiology topic related to procedures used in the identification of bacteria. This page provides links to help you find what you are looking for.

Differential Stains

  1. Gram-positive Bacteria
  2. Gram-negative Bacteria
Differential & Selective Media

Metabolic Tests for Specific Bacterial Identification

More Microbiology Resources

For more information on Microbiology, see the SPO Virtual Microbiology Classroom, or Todar’s Online Textbook of Bacteriology.

Full Microbiology blog

Suite101: Microbiology blogs How to subscribe to blog feeds