Question

Discuss the appearance of the bacterial cells if the primary stain was omitted from the Gram staining procedure. Make comments concerning both Gram positives and Gram negatives. Would you still be able to differentiate Gram positive from Gram-negative cells? Why or why not? I need one page please.

Answer 1

primary stain in Gram staining: Crystal violet.

crystal violet is taken by both Gram positive and Gram negative cells.

however, during alcohol wash, Gram-negative bacteria lose their crystal violet. whereas Gram-positive bacteria won't give up the dye. later Gram-positive bacteria take up the safranin.

now, coming to the question, when the primary dye is not added, both Gram negative and Gram positive would be colourless. they both would take up safranin and look pink and thus cannot be differentiated.