Answer to Question #173336 in Microbiology for Kim

Question

Can you differentiate Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria using simple staining procedure? Why?

Answer 1

Yes it is possible. The simple staining procedure differentiate between Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria by coloring these cells red or violet. Gram-positive cells have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in the cell wall that retains the primary stain, crystal violet. Gram-negative cells have a thinner peptidoglycan layer that allows the crystal violet to wash out on addition of ethanol. They are stained pink or red by the counterstain.