Gram positive bacteria

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Gram positive bacteria

Gram positive bacteria (pronunciation: /ɡræm ˈpɒzɪtɪv bækˈtɪəriə/) are a group of bacteria that give a positive result in the Gram stain test, which is traditionally used to quickly classify bacteria into two broad categories according to their cell wall.

Etymology

The term "Gram positive" is named after the Danish bacteriologist Hans Christian Gram, who developed the Gram stain. Gram's method helps distinguish between different types of bacteria. The "positive" in Gram positive refers to the retention of the violet crystal violet stain after the decolourisation process.

Characteristics

Gram positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer that traps the crystal violet stain. They lack the outer membrane found in Gram negative bacteria. Some examples of Gram positive bacteria include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Bacillus species.

Related Terms

  • Gram stain: A staining technique used to classify bacteria.
  • Peptidoglycan: A polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria, forming the cell wall.
  • Staphylococcus: A genus of Gram positive bacteria.
  • Streptococcus: A genus of coccus (spherical) Gram positive bacteria.
  • Bacillus: A genus of Gram positive, rod-shaped bacteria and a member of the phylum Firmicutes.

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