The outcome of the Gram stain is based on differences in the cell's ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Gram stain differentiates bacterial cells based on the properties of their cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall and stain purple, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that can prevent the stain from entering the cell and will stain pink. Thus, the outcome of the Gram stain is based on differences in the cell's wall, making choice C the correct answer.

The Outcome of the Gram Stain Is Based on Differences