Gram Staining

Front

What is Gram staining?

Back

A laboratory technique used to differentiate bacterial species into two groups based on the characteristics of their cell walls.

Front

What is the purpose of heat fixing a bacterial smear?

Back

To affix the cells to the slide, making them adhere during the staining process.

Front

What color do Gram positive bacteria appear after the first dye is applied?

Back

Purple.

Front

What component of the bacterial cell wall holds the stain during Gram staining?

Back

Peptidoglycan.

Front

What is a mordant in the context of Gram staining?

Back

A substance used to fix the dye onto the bacteria, enhancing the staining process.

Front

What is the mordant used in the Gram stain procedure?

Back

Iodine.

Front

What is the role of crystal violet in Gram staining?

Back

It is the primary stain that colors all bacteria initially.

Front

What happens to Gram negative bacteria after the decolorization step?

Back

They lose the crystal violet stain and become colorless.

Front

What is the counterstain used in Gram staining?

Back

Safranin.

Front

How do Gram negative bacteria appear after the entire Gram staining process?

Back

Red or pink.