Bacteria are a huge group of single-celled microscopic organisms categorized as prokaryotic cells (lack true nucleus). Their inner structure is simple composing mainly of capsule, cellular wall, cytoplasm, ribosomes, DNA, pili, and flagellum. Bacteria can either be a gram-positive or gram-negative, and to find it out, a gram-staining technique has to be used.
Gram Staining technique is the most important and widely used microbiological differential staining technique. It categorizes bacteria according to their Gram character (Gram positive or Gram negative).
Along with their staining characteristics, Gram Positive and Gram Negative bacteria differ from each other in various aspects which are listed below :
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the examples of gram-positive bacteria?
Some of the common gram-positive bacteria you will encounter in the healthcare setting as they are the leading causes of clinical infections are:
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
- Bacillus
- Clostridium
- Nocardia
- Propionibacterium
- Enterococcus
- Corynebacterium
- Listeria
- Lactobacillus
- Gardnerella
Which is more harmful- gram-positive bacteria or gram-negative bacteria?
Of the two, gram-negative bacteria are more harmful as their outer membranes are protected by a slim layer hiding antigens present in the cell. If the infection is caused by gram-negative bacteria, it would require a strong dose of antibiotics and strict compliance to the course of treatment to thoroughly get rid of the harmful bacteria.
Is it easier to kill gram-positive bacteria?
Yes. Gram-positive bacteria’s cell wall can easily absorb antibacterial cleaning products and antibiotics because of their outer peptidoglycan layer.
What infections are caused by gram-positive bacteria?
Some of the infections caused by gram-positive bacteria include the following:
- Urinary tract infection
- Tuberculosis
- Diphtheria
What infections are caused by gram-negative bacteria?
Some of the infections caused by gram-negative bacteria are:
- Bloodstream infections
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
Is E coli gram positive?
No. It is a rod-shaped gram-negative bacterium.
What kills gram negative bacteria?
Gram-negative bacteria are more difficult to destroy than gram-positive. The most effective approach is to use a combination therapy, especially antibiotics with dual-mechanism action.
Are gram negative bacteria curable?
Yes. It needs a strong dose of antibiotic and combination treatment to thoroughly destroy the pathogen.
Related Posts:
- Gram Staining : Principle, Procedure, Interpretation and Animation
- Coccobacilli (Gram Negative Bacteria)
- Endospore Staining: Methods (Images), Principles and Results
- Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) Staining Technique For Carbohydrates
- Ziehl-Neelsen Stain (ZN-Stain) : Principle, Procedure, Reporting and Modifications
figure of gram negative and positive bacteria is given incorrect.please have a look…
Figure gram positive and negative walls is just confusing please take a look.
The pics for gram neg and gram pos cell walls need to be swapped! Just thought I’d let you know. 😉
where can I get ur pdf filed to download ?