Question

Reversal of crystal violet and safranin stains. (Meaning that safranin was used for the first step and crystal violet was used for the last step.)

Answer 1

If the standard Gram staining procedure is reversed the Gram positive bacteria will appear as Pink or red and Gram Negative bacteria will appear purple. Actually there are many strains which may be used as primary as well as secondary stain. When safranin is used first in Gram stain all the bacteria will take the stain and becomes red or pink. then when it is washed with alcohol, only Gram positive bacteria retain safranin but Gram negative bacteria loose it and become colourless. Then Crystal violet stain is used and Gram negative bacteria take this stain and appear as purple.