The Gram Stain Works Because of Differences in the ________

Question

The Gram stain works because of differences in the ________ of bacteria.
A) genetic characteristics
B) cell walls
C) cell membranes
D) antigens
E) capsules

Accepted Answer

The Gram stain differentiates bacteria based on the thickness and composition of their cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall that retains the crystal violet stain, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer with an outer membrane that doesn't retain the stain and instead takes up the counterstain, safranin.