Question

Pick up incorrect statement about bacterial capsule.

• A. Capsular material is antigenic in nature.
• B. It protects bacteria by inhibiting phagocytosis.
• C. It cannot be stained by Gram's stain.
• D. It is acid fast in nature.

Answer 1

The correct option is D It is acid fast in nature.

Since most capsules are tightly packed, they are difficult to stain using standard stains, because most stains cannot adhere to the capsule. For examination under the microscope, the bacteria and their background are stained darker than the capsule, which doesn't stain.