Question

@InYourHead Do you know which kind of stain is repelled by the structures of an organism versus the stain that actually reacts with and binds to the structures?

Answer 1

You're talking about gram staining? For bacteria?

Answer 2

Simple staining.

Answer 3

And yes for bacteria.

Answer 4

Well we've got two kinds of bacteria.

1. Gram positive
2. Gram negative.

The stain binds to the gram POSITIVE bacteria,
because of a special part of their cell walls, called "peptidoglycan."

Take a look at this picture:
http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/Biology/rcotter/BIO%20205/LessonBuilders/Chapter%204%20LB/cow95289_04_14.jpg

The gram POSITIVE bacteria is on the LEFT side.

See how its peptidoglycan layer is on the outside?
That's why the gram stain binds to it.
And it turns purple.

~~~~~~~~~

On the other hand,
the gram NEGATIVE bacteria has an outer membrane layer, that covers its peptidoglycan.

That's why when we try to stain those bacteria,
the gram stain shows up pink,

Answer 5

Mmmmm not exactly what I was looking for. I'm familiar with gram-staining. I'm trying to figure out the difference between the kind of stain that stains any bacteria's structures and actually adheres to them in contrast to the kind of stain that is repelled by the structures and only forms an outline. I think it has to do with non polar stains... because the lipid bilayer is attracted to polar molecules (if I'm not mixing it up), so they react to form salts. The other kind of dye is repelled and it is like a "negative" photo in a sense. I just can't remember what kind of dye it is and I can't find it.

Answer 6

Really? It depends on the stain?

What I understood was that the stains were all the same.
And that whether or not they would bind all depends on the type of bacterium.

Answer 7

I'll try to look into this, kay?

Answer 8

Simple staining has two types. One is acid and the other is basic. Both can be applied directly or indirectly. The exact stains can involve all kinds of stains, such as Eosin & Hemotoxilin.

Answer 9

Which is the direct and which is the indirect? You hit it spot on, by the way, that's what I was looking for

Answer 10

I helped someone who asked the same question. I am looking for that exact post because the answer is there.

Answer 11

I asked the same question a few minutes ago too.

Answer 12

What did yo need help on again?

Answer 13

See I didn't know that. Neat!

Answer 14

What is the difference between direct and indirect stains? Is direct the stain that stains the structures of the cell and the indirect shows the contrast?

Answer 15

(By being repelled)

Answer 16

Direct refers to the cell, while indirect is the background.

Answer 17

You are going to need to look into direct staining involving acidic and basic dyes.

Answer 18

Awesome. I thought so. Thanks so much! It was driving me crazy.