Asked in PMC Practice Test 32 (2021) 2021

Under the microscope, the bacteria appear a bluish-purple colour. Which class of bacteria are on the slide?

Correct answer: A. Gram-positive

  • A. Gram-positive
  • B. Gram-negative
  • C. Both A and B
  • D. None of these

Explanation

Correct option: A (fact) (Gram positive bacteria retain bluish purple dye when being tested). If the bacteria appear bluish-purple under the microscope, it indicates that they have retained the crystal violet stain after the Gram staining procedure. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which allows them to retain the crystal violet stain and appear purple. Gram-negative bacteria, on the other hand, have a thinner peptidoglycan layer and are counterstained with a red or pink color. Therefore, the bacteria on the slide are most likely Gram-positive.

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About Kingdom Prokaryotae

Kingdom Prokaryotae includes bacteria and cyanobacteria, organisms with no membrane-bound nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. It covers their cell wall, capsule, flagella, plasmids, forms of nutrition, binary fission, useful and harmful roles, and the differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.

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