In the Gram stain procedure, what is the most critical differentiating step?
A) Gram iodine
B) Crystal violet
C) Safranin
D) Decolorizer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decolorizer step is the most critical differentiating step in the Gram stain procedure. It determines whether the bacterial cells will retain the crystal violet stain (Gram-positive) or lose it and take on the safranin stain (Gram-negative). If the decolorizer is left on too long, it can cause false results by washing away the crystal violet from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative cells.

In the Gram Stain Procedure, What Is the Most Critical