What is the main purpose of the Gram stain in microbiology?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the main purpose of the Gram stain in microbiology?
To identify viral infections
To differentiate bacterial species
To determine antibiotic susceptibility
To visualize fungal structures
The Gram stain is used to differentiate bacterial species based on the characteristics of their cell walls.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the main purpose of the Gram stain in microbiology?
Solution: The Gram stain is used to differentiate bacterial species based on the characteristics of their cell walls.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand that bacteria can be classified into two main groups: Gram-positive and Gram-negative.
Step 2: Know that the Gram stain is a laboratory technique used to identify these two groups based on their cell wall structure.
Step 3: Realize that the Gram stain involves applying a series of dyes to a bacterial sample.
Step 4: Learn that Gram-positive bacteria will retain the dye and appear purple under a microscope, while Gram-negative bacteria will not retain the dye and will appear pink.
Step 5: Conclude that the main purpose of the Gram stain is to help scientists and doctors identify bacterial species and determine the appropriate treatment.
