LooseLeaf Benson's Microbiological Applications Laboratory Manual-Concise Version
LooseLeaf Benson's Microbiological Applications Laboratory Manual-Concise Version
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781259705236
Author: Alfred E Brown Ph.D., Heidi Smith
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 14, Problem 1SAQ
Summary Introduction

To explain: The reason why Gram stain is considered as differential stain.

Introduction: Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that maintain a definite shape since they contain the rigid cell wall. They are classified into different types based on the structure, namely coccus (spherical shaped), Bacillus (rod-shaped), filamentous, spirilla (spiral-shaped), appendaged, and pleomorphic bacteria. The structure of bacteria can be viewed under the microscope using the staining methods.

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Explanation of Solution

Gram staining is an example of differential staining. It is based on the principle that the cell or structures within the bacterial cells display dissimilar reactions with the staining procedure. Based on this staining procedure, the bacterial cells are classified as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria contain thick peptidoglycan layer, whereas Gram-negative bacteria contain thin peptidoglycan layer. Thus, staining with crystal violet is retained in Gram-positive bacteria even after treating with alcohol solution, whereas Gram-negative bacteria decolourize and take the counterstain safranin. Thus, Gram staining is considered as differential stain where Gram-positive bacteria appear as violet color and Gram-negative bacteria appear as pink color.

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