gram positive and gram negative bacteria

[Botaras]

guys i have a question for you... explain whta characteristics we exploit to distinguish between gram positive and gram negative bacteria. pls help me with the answer

[CharonY]

What is the difference between the cell hull of a Gram-negative and a Gram-positive bacterium?

Also this goes into the homework section.

[abacus49]

I'm not sure if you are looking for a more detailed explanation or not but a gram positive bacteria will absorb india ink into it's cell wall whereas a gram negative will not. When one is trying to identify a bacteria culture on a slide the process is to dip the slide into the ink and then rinse it off. The bacteria will retain the dye or it wont and that is why they are referred to as positive or negative. Hope this helps and isn't too simplistic.