What distinguishes Gram-positive bacteria from Gram-negative bacteria?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the differences between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, specifically looking for a feature that can distinguish the two types based on characteristics such as cell wall structure and staining behavior.
Answer
Gram-positives have a thick peptidoglycan layer and no outer membrane; Gram-negatives have a thin layer and an outer membrane.
Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and lack an outer lipid membrane, appearing purple after Gram staining, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer, an outer lipid membrane, and appear pink after staining.
Answer for screen readers
Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and lack an outer lipid membrane, appearing purple after Gram staining, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer, an outer lipid membrane, and appear pink after staining.
More Information
The difference in cell wall thickness affects the staining color and is vital for determining bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the staining colors; remember, Gram-positive bacteria stain purple, while Gram-negative bacteria stain pink.
Sources
- Gram Positive vs Gram Negative - Technology Networks - technologynetworks.com
- Gram-positive and gram-negative: What is the difference? - medicalnewstoday.com
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