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In the gram staining process, gram positive bacteria appear to be purple because their cell walls, which contain a large concentration of peptidoglycans, are strongly dyed. Gram negative bacteria appear pink because their walls asborb less dye. This occurs becayse there is a smaller concentration of peptidoglycans and an additional lipid layer surrounds the cell wall. ANSWER The exact mechanism of action of this staining technique is not clearly understood. However, it is known that differences in the biochemical composition of bacterial cell walls parallel differences in their Gram-stain reactions. Gram-positive bacterial walls are rich in tightly linked peptidoglycans (protein-sugar complexes) that enable cells to resist decolorization. Gram-negative bacterial walls have a high concentration of lipids (fats) that dissolve in the decolorizer (alcohol, acetone, or a mixture of these) and are washed away with the crystal violet. The decolorizer thus prepares gram-negative organisms for the counterstain.

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What bacterial staining technique is it when a basic dye is utilized to stain bacterial cells?

The bacterial staining technique where a basic dye is used to stain bacterial cells is called simple staining. In this technique, the positively charged dye binds to the negatively charged bacterial cell structures, making them more visible under a microscope.


What is the purpose of using the primary stain in the process of gram staining?

The purpose of using the primary stain in the process of gram staining is to colorize the bacterial cells, allowing them to be differentiated based on their cell wall composition. This helps to classify the bacteria as either gram-positive or gram-negative.


What might cause a Gram variable reaction?

A Gram-variable reaction may occur when the bacteria have an atypical cell wall structure, making it difficult to predict whether they will appear as Gram-positive or Gram-negative under a microscope. This variability in staining can be caused by factors such as age of the culture, cell wall composition, or bacterial species.


What does a gram reaction of a cell refer to?

the Gram reaction is based on the structure of the bacterial cell wall. In Gram-positive bacteria, the dark purple crystal violet stain is retained by the thick layer of peptidoglycan which forms the outer layer of the cell. In Gram-negative bacteria, the thin peptidoglycan layer in the periplasm does not retain the dark stain, and the pink safranin counter stain stains the peptidoglycan layer. In other word,the gram reaction refers to how the cells reacts to the gram-staining process.


What staining procedure will be used to observe bacteria in the sputum sample?

A Gram stain is commonly used to observe bacteria in a sputum sample. This staining procedure helps visualize the bacterial cell wall structure and arrangement, aiding in the identification of different bacterial species.

Related Questions

Did you stain the bacterial cell wall or the cell cytoplasm?

Yes, it is. Using the Gram staining method, the wall can be seen.


What bacterial staining technique is it when a basic dye is utilized to stain bacterial cells?

The bacterial staining technique where a basic dye is used to stain bacterial cells is called simple staining. In this technique, the positively charged dye binds to the negatively charged bacterial cell structures, making them more visible under a microscope.


Why is gram staining important?

It tells the microbiologist/clinician facts about the cell wall construction of the bacterium. This then indicates which antibiotics to prescribe if you are trying to get rid of a bacterial infection.


Why must young cultures be used when doing staining?

Young cultures must be used when doing a gram stain to get more accurate results. The cell was is the part of the bacterial cell that is most involved with gram staining because it holds the crystal violet.


What is the purpose of using the primary stain in the process of gram staining?

The purpose of using the primary stain in the process of gram staining is to colorize the bacterial cells, allowing them to be differentiated based on their cell wall composition. This helps to classify the bacteria as either gram-positive or gram-negative.


What might cause a Gram variable reaction?

A Gram-variable reaction may occur when the bacteria have an atypical cell wall structure, making it difficult to predict whether they will appear as Gram-positive or Gram-negative under a microscope. This variability in staining can be caused by factors such as age of the culture, cell wall composition, or bacterial species.


What is the gram stain of bacterial pneumonia?

Bacterial pneumonia is typically caused by organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. These bacteria can have different Gram stain characteristics: S. pneumoniae is Gram-positive, H. influenzae is Gram-negative, and M. pneumoniae lacks a cell wall and is therefore classified as "neither" in Gram staining.


What does a gram reaction of a cell refer to?

the Gram reaction is based on the structure of the bacterial cell wall. In Gram-positive bacteria, the dark purple crystal violet stain is retained by the thick layer of peptidoglycan which forms the outer layer of the cell. In Gram-negative bacteria, the thin peptidoglycan layer in the periplasm does not retain the dark stain, and the pink safranin counter stain stains the peptidoglycan layer. In other word,the gram reaction refers to how the cells reacts to the gram-staining process.


What is the influence of the pH on the gram reaction in gram staining?

In what regard? You need heat in order to heat fix the bacterial cells to the slide. This adheres cells to the slide. Otherwise, the bacterial cells would wash off the slide during the Gram staining process. If you leave the slide in the Bunsen burner too long, then you can distort the bacterial cell shape and size and also have other artifacts appear on the slide that are not bacterial cells.


Is gram staining related to flagella?

No, gram staining and flagella are not directly related. Gram staining is a technique used to classify bacteria based on cell wall characteristics, while flagella are thread-like appendages that help bacteria move. Flagella presence or absence does not affect the results of a gram stain.


Is polio gram positive or gram negative?

Polio virus is neither gram positive nor gram negative because it is a non-bacterial virus. Gram staining is a technique used to classify bacterial species based on their cell wall composition, so it does not apply to viruses like polio.


What staining procedure will be used to observe bacteria in the sputum sample?

A Gram stain is commonly used to observe bacteria in a sputum sample. This staining procedure helps visualize the bacterial cell wall structure and arrangement, aiding in the identification of different bacterial species.