Antibiotics in Action

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    Biology Activity
    Observing Cells
    Using Stains

    Major Concept

    One stain may be capable of coloring one kind of cell, while failing to color other kinds of cells. Likewise, different cells have characteristics that make them susceptible to one kind of stain but resistant to another. Students should be able to observe this in the activity. Furthermore, just as stains can target specific kinds of cells, antibiotic drugs affect some kinds of cells while leaving others alone. It is the goal of scientists to identify compounds that affect the cells of disease-causing bacteria while leaving the patient's own cells alone.
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      General Safety Guidelines
      Microbiology Safety Guidelines
      Major Concept
      Level and Expected Student
      Background
      Time
      Safety
      Materials and Apparatus
      Relevant National Science
      Education Standards
      Relevant New Jersey State
      Science Education Standards

    Level and Expected Student Background

    The activity is appropriate for students in an introductory biology course. Students should be familiar with the structure and components of the cell, have some understanding of proteins, and comprehend the interaction of cations and anions that is responsible for the binding of stains to proteins in cells.

    Time

    The actvity can be completed during one class period.

    Safety

      General Safety Guidelines
      Microbiology Safety Guidelines

    Materials and Apparatus

    • Methylene blue stain
    • Iodine stain (potassium iodide + iodine)
    • Gram stain
    • Ethyl alcohol
    • Onion
    • Forceps
    • Microscope
    • Microscope slides
    • Microscope slide coverslips
    • Paper towels
    • Beral® pipettes
    • 0.9% saline solution (NaCl)
    • Test tubes, 20 mm x 125 mm–250 mm

    Relevant National Science Education Standards

      Unifying Concepts and Processes — The activities examine the chemical behavior of biological systems and involve the observation of change and the collection of evidence.

      Science as Inquiry — The activities involve conducting systematic observations, interpreting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results.

      Physical Science — The activities deal with the behavior of matter in living systems.

      Life Science — The activities deal with the nature of the cell and the behavior of matter in living systems.

      Science and Technology — The activities explore the science behind a technology used in fighting disease.

      Science and Personal and Social Perpectives — The activities deal with the role of science in facing personal and community health challenges.

      History and Nature of Science — The activities illustrate the nature of scientific knowledge, offer historical perspective, and demonstrate science as a human endeavor.

    Relevant New Jersey State Science Education Standards

      5.1 The activities involve conducting systematic observations, interpreting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results.
      5.2 The background information describes the history of staining and shows how people of various cultures have contributed to it.
      5.4 The activities demonstrate a science-based technology used in fighting disease.
      5.5 The activity reinforces understanding of basic cell biology.
      5.6 The activity examines the behavior of matter in living systems.
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