Mycolic acid is a waxy cell wall material found in members of the Genus Mycobacterium. Because of the waterproof nature of mycolic acid, which staining technique must be used to identify these bacteria under the microscope?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Ziehl-Neelsen Acid-fast stain is specifically designed to penetrate the waxy cell wall of Mycobacterium species, allowing for their identification under a microscope. The mycolic acid in their cell walls makes them resistant to traditional Gram staining.

Mycolic Acid Is a Waxy Cell Wall Material Found in Members