What is the purpose of heating the slide during the staining

What is the purpose of heating the slide during the staining process? Separates the bacteria from one another for better visualization Allows for further penetration of the stain through the lipoidal wall and into the cytoplasm Eliminates contaminating bacteria Kills the bacteria and adheres it to the slide

Solution

Staining is the process where we dye or stain the microorganisms like bacteria so that we can differentiate various parts of the organism. Staining helps in rendering the necessary contrast between different parts of the organism, thus making them more apparent and easy to identify on the slide.

However, before an organism can be stained, the bacteria or microorganisms must be dead and fixed to the slide that goes under the microscope. This is the reason why after a slide has been prepared, it is exposed to intense heat. Usually this is done with some type of flame. The process is called heat fixing and it kills the bacteria on the slide, and ensures that it stays in place on the slide.

So the correct option for the question is the last option, the fourth in the list of alternatives.