Differences Between Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria

In microbiology, various organisms can be distinguished based on their cellular structure and metabolic processes. Bacteria are classified broadly into two categories based on their cell wall composition: Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The Gram stain is a common laboratory technique used to categorize these organisms. It differentiates bacteria by the properties of their cell wall, leading to distinct visual results under a microscope.

Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain and appear purple, while Gram-negative bacteria do not retain the stain and appear pink due to the counterstaining with safranin. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting appropriate antibiotics and treatment plans for bacterial infections.

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?