Gram-Staining
Gram-staining bacteria is a three step process that helps us identify bacteria by separating it into two groups: gram-positive and gram-negative. The category they fall into is determined by the structure of the cell wall.
Step 1: Stain the Cells
crystal violet stained cells
When crystal violet is added to the slide, it links with the peptidoglycan in the cell wall. Iodine is then added to bind with the crystal violet, making it insoluble in water.
Which step uses iodine?
stain the cells
decolorize the cells
counterstain the cells