Why do gram-positive bacterial cells retain the crystal violet-iodine complex when the decolorizer is added?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacterial cells have a thick peptidoglycan layer with many teichoic acid cross-linkages.This is referred to as the cell wall.The thickness of the peptidoglycan layer with the cross-linkages aids in retention of the crystal violet-iodine complex.Gram-negative bacterial cells have a thinner cell wall (peptidoglycan)with an outer membrane similar to the cellular membrane.Although there is a special stain for capsules,the mechanism for retention of this complex is not related to the capsule.

Why Do Gram-Positive Bacterial Cells Retain the Crystal Violet-Iodine Complex