GRAM STAINING TECHNIQUE

Lesson 1: Practicing the Gram Stain with a Broth Culture

Question:

1. What is the purpose of the Gram staining procedure?

The Gram staining procedure is a simple stain of reagents and clinical specimens
designed to help identify bacteria. As a differential stain, its purpose it to group and
identify bacteria into two main categories: gram-positive (distinguished by a blue color)
and gram-negative (distinguished by a pink color). This method is commonly used to
determine the chemical make up of the cell wall of bacteria, making it easier to
manipulate for various purposes.

2. Does the order of operations matter in the Gram staining procedure?

Yes. The order of operation matter because if the proper sequence is not
followed, it may cause the gram-positive bacteria to appear falsely as a gram-negative, resulting
to erroneous result of the gram staining procedure.

SIMULATION: Gram Stain with a Broth Culture

Lesson 2: Practicing the Gram Stain with a Plate Culture

Questions:
1. What is the color of gram-negative bacteria?
Gram-negative bacteria are distinguished by the color pink.

SIMULATION: Gram Stain with a Plate Culture