Difference Between Gram Positive Bacteria and Gram Negative Bacteria

The difference between Gram Positive bacteria and Gram Negative bacteria is given below in tabular form:

Characteristic Gram Positive Bacteria Gram Negative Bacteria
Cell Wall Composition Thick layer of peptidoglycan Thin layer of peptidoglycan
Outer Membrane Absent Present
Permeability More permeable Less permeable
Staining Retains crystal violet stain in Gram staining Does not retain crystal violet stain
Color in Gram Staining Purple Pink (after counterstaining with safranin)
Lipopolysaccharides Absent Present in the outer membrane
Teichoic Acids Present Absent
Sensitivity to Antibiotics Generally more sensitive Generally less sensitive
Toxins Generally produce exotoxins Generally produce endotoxins
Common Examples Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridium Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas

Gram Positive Bacteria

Gram-positive bacteria are those that respond positively to the Gram stain test. This test is commonly used to classify bacteria into two categories based on their type of cell wall. Studying Gram-positive bacteria examples and cell wall composition provides valuable insights into their structural characteristics.

In this article, we will cover Gram-positive bacteria, their cell wall composition, examples, and more, in detail.

Table of Content

  • What is Gram-Positive Bacteria?
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria Diagram
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria Examples
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria Colour
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria Cell Wall
  • Characteristics of Gram-Positive Bacteria
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria Shape
  • Risk of Gram-Positive Bacteria
  • Benefits of Gram-Positive Bacteria
  • Difference Between Gram Positive Bacteria and Gram Negative Bacteria
  • Gram Stains

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What is Gram-Positive Bacteria?

Gram-positive bacteria are a group of bacteria that retain the crystal violet dye during Gram staining. They appear purple under a microscope and typically have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall. Gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible to several cell wall-targeting antibiotics than gram-negative bacteria because they lack the outer membrane while having a thicker peptidoglycan layer....

Gram-Positive Bacteria Diagram

The diagram of cell wall of gram positive bacteria is given below:...

Gram-Positive Bacteria Examples

Some of the Gram positive bacteria that retain the violet stain in Gram staining are given below:...

Gram-Positive Bacteria Colour

Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining procedure, appearing purple or blue under the microscope. This staining occurs due to the thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet-iodine complex....

Gram-Positive Bacteria Cell Wall

A gram-positive bacteria cell wall is made up of the following:...

Characteristics of Gram-Positive Bacteria

Some of the major characteristics of Gram-Positive Bacteria are given below:...

Gram-Positive Bacteria Shape

Gram-positive bacteria exhibit various shapes, including:...

Risk of Gram-Positive Bacteria

Gram-positive bacteria pose several risks to human health, including:...

Benefits of Gram-Positive Bacteria

Gram-positive bacteria offer several benefits to ecosystems and human health:...

Difference Between Gram Positive Bacteria and Gram Negative Bacteria

The difference between Gram Positive bacteria and Gram Negative bacteria is given below in tabular form:...

Gram Stains

A test called a “gram stain” looks for bacteria in suspected infection sites such as the throat, lungs, genitalia, or skin wounds. Gram stains can also be used to examine the presence of germs in bodily fluids like blood or urine....

Conclusion – Gram-positive Bacteria

In conclusion, Gram-positive bacteria retain a purple stain in Gram staining due to their thick peptidoglycan layer, making them vulnerable to antibiotics targeting cell walls. Unlike Gram-negative bacteria, they resist the decolorization step and remain purple. Examples include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Despite risks like antibiotic resistance, they benefit ecosystems through decomposition and serve as probiotics....

FAQs on Gram-Positive Bacteria

Which are Gram-Positive Bacteria?...