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? asked in Science & MathematicsBiology · 9 years ago

What is the purpose of heat-fixing a prepared bacterial smear?

Thanks!

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  • Anonymous
    9 years ago
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    Hi Nicole.

    Heat fixation is done to adhere organisms (mostly bacteria and archaea) to an glas slide. Also the y heat denatures different proteolytic enzymes and prevents autolysis of the cells thereby preserving the overall morphology of the cell though many internal structures might be destroyed.

    It is used when making a Gram-staining procedure AFAIK:)

    Hope that helps.

    Source(s): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixation_(histology)
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