Gram-positive

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Gram-positive bacteria are a type of bacteria that are classified by the color they turn after a chemical called Gram stain is applied to them. Gram-positive bacteria turn blue when this stain is applied, while Gram-negative bacteria do not.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick cell wall that is rich in peptidoglycan, a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids. This cell wall is responsible for the bacteria's ability to retain the Gram stain. In addition to their cell wall, Gram-positive bacteria have a plasma membrane.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Some examples of Gram-positive bacteria include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Bacillus. These bacteria are responsible for a variety of infections, including pneumonia, strep throat, and food poisoning.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Gram-positive bacteria are typically more susceptible to antibiotics than Gram-negative bacteria. This is because the thick peptidoglycan layer in the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria is easily penetrated by antibiotics. However, some Gram-positive bacteria have developed resistance to certain antibiotics, making treatment more difficult.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Gram-positive Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD