The Gram stain differentiates bacterial cells into gram positive and gram negative based on differences in the
A) genomic content.
B) cell's metabolic capabilities.
C) presence of a plasmid.
D) cell wall structure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Gram stain differentiates bacterial cells into gram positive and gram negative based on differences in cell wall structure. Gram positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while gram negative bacteria have a thinner layer of peptidoglycan and an outer membrane composed of lipopolysaccharides. The stain used in the Gram stain process binds to these different components and allows for differentiation of the two types of bacteria. Genomic content, metabolic capabilities, and plasmid presence are not directly involved in the Gram stain differentiation.

The Gram Stain Differentiates Bacterial Cells into Gram Positive and Gram