A culture of mycobacterium leprae was subjected to alkaline ethanol ex...
Mycobacterium is a gram negative bacteria so it has thick peptidoglycan wall in outer membrane so it looks red colour
A culture of mycobacterium leprae was subjected to alkaline ethanol ex...
Understanding Acid-Fast Staining
Acid-fast staining is a crucial technique used to identify mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy. This method exploits the unique cell wall structure of mycobacteria, which contains high amounts of mycolic acid.
Alkaline Ethanol Extraction
- Purpose: Alkaline ethanol extraction is performed to remove non-acid-fast organisms and contaminants from the sample.
- Process: This extraction helps to enhance the visibility of acid-fast bacilli by making the staining process more effective.
Color Interpretation
- Staining Process: After extraction, the sample undergoes the acid-fast staining procedure, typically using Ziehl-Neelsen or Kinyoun methods.
- Staining Result: In this process, acid-fast organisms retain the primary dye (carbol fuchsin) even after being subjected to acid-alcohol decolorization.
Why Red?
- Color of Acid-Fast Bacteria: When stained correctly, acid-fast organisms like Mycobacterium leprae will appear red due to the retained dye.
- Comparison with Non-Acid-Fast Organisms: Non-acid-fast bacteria will lose the red color and appear blue or green, depending on the counterstain used (usually methylene blue).
Conclusion
Thus, after alkaline ethanol extraction and subsequent acid-fast staining, the culture of Mycobacterium leprae will exhibit a red color, confirming its acid-fast nature. Hence, the correct answer is option 'D' - Red.