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Multiple Choice
Which part of a bacterial cell is primarily identified through Gram staining?
A
Ribosomes
B
Plasma membrane
C
Cell wall
D
Nucleus
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of Gram staining: Gram staining is a technique used to differentiate bacterial species into two groups based on the physical and chemical properties of their cell walls.
Identify the key component involved: The cell wall is the primary structure that Gram staining targets. It helps distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Learn the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria: Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain, appearing purple. Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, which does not retain the crystal violet stain, appearing pink after counterstaining.
Recognize the role of the cell wall in Gram staining: The cell wall's composition and structure are crucial for the staining process, as they determine the retention or loss of the stain.
Note that other cellular components like ribosomes, plasma membrane, and nucleus are not involved in Gram staining: These structures do not affect the outcome of Gram staining, as the technique specifically targets the cell wall.