BENSON'S MICROBIO.APPL.:LAB..,CONC.
BENSON'S MICROBIO.APPL.:LAB..,CONC.
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781260110678
Author: Brown
Publisher: MCGRAW-HILL HIGHER EDUCATION
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
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.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

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.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
Bacterial Structure and Functions; Author: Osmosis;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b15Hy3jCPDs;License: Standard youtube license