Question

Given below is an assertion and reason.
Assertion: Gram negative bacteria do not retain the stain when washed with alcohol.
Reason: The cell wall of gram negative bacteria contains lipopolysaccharides, a part of which is integrated into membrane lipids.

Select the correct option:
A. Both assertion and reason are true with reason being the correct explanation
B. Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not correct explanation
C. Assertion is true, but reason is wrong
D. Both assertion and reason are wrong

Answer 1

Gram staining, invented by Christian Gram, is a technique used to differentiate two large groups of bacteria based on their different cell wall constituents.
Gram positive bacteria get stained by crystal violet and appear purple in colour. On treatment with alcohol, they retain the purple colour. This is due to the presence of a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls.
Gram negative bacteria also get stained by crystal violet and appear purple. But on washing with alcohol, they get destained and appear colourless. This is because of a very thin peptidoglycan layer that is sandwiched between an inner cell membrane and a bacterial outer membrane which contains lipopolysaccharides. The lipopolysaccharides, because of their high lipid content, dissolve in the alcohol and get washed off, causing the stain to disappear.