Gram-negative bacteria resist staining with crystal violet because Gram-negative bacteria have a(n)
A) outer membrane layer that collapses, releasing the crystal violet molecules.
B) thinner peptidoglycan layer that does not retain the crystal violet molecules.
C) thinner peptidoglycan layer that collapses, releasing the crystal violet molecules.
D) thicker peptidoglycan layer that collapses, releasing the crystal violet molecules.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer compared to Gram-positive bacteria, and thus do not retain the crystal violet molecules. Instead, they are washed away with the decolorizing agent allowing the counterstain, safranin, to be retained and appear pink or red under the microscope.

Gram-Negative Bacteria Resist Staining with Crystal Violet Because Gram-Negative Bacteria