Wastewater New York State Practice Exam

What type of slide is prepared to observe filamentous organisms?

1. A stained dry slide

2. A wet mount slide

3. A cover slip slide

4. A concentrated slide

The correct answer is: A stained dry slide

To properly observe filamentous organisms, a wet mount slide is the most suitable type of preparation. Wet mount slides allow for the inclusion of liquid samples, which keeps the organisms alive and mobile. This mobility is crucial for accurately assessing the morphology and behavior of filamentous organisms, such as fungi or certain bacteria. In preparations like a stained dry slide, the organisms are fixed and non-living, which can limit the ability to observe dynamic characteristics and may distort the natural structure of filamentous organisms. A cover slip slide does not specifically refer to a method of preparation conducive for filamentous organisms since it can be used in both dry and wet preparations and does not guarantee observation of live specimens. A concentrated slide, while potentially useful for certain types of analyses, does not specifically involve the liquid medium necessary for keeping filamentous organisms in a state that facilitates observation. Thus, the wet mount slide stands out as the best method for observing filamentous organisms effectively.