🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on:

A Size only
B Cell wall structure — gram-positive bacteria retain crystal violet dye due to thick peptidoglycan layer
C Motility
D Spore formation

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Gram stain: crystal violet + iodine → decolorize → safranin. Gram+: thick peptidoglycan retains crystal violet (purple). Gram-: thin peptidoglycan, outer membrane, loses crystal violet, takes safranin (pink).

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