Alternate gram staining technique using a fluorescent lectin

R K Sizemore; J J Caldwell; A S Kendrick

doi:10.1128/aem.56.7.2245-2247.1990

Alternate gram staining technique using a fluorescent lectin

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1990 Jul;56(7):2245-7. doi: 10.1128/aem.56.7.2245-2247.1990.

Authors

R K Sizemore¹, J J Caldwell, A S Kendrick

Affiliation

¹ Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Wilmington 28403-3297.

Abstract

Fluorescence-labeled wheat germ agglutinin binds specifically to N-acetylglucosamine in the outer peptidoglycan layer of gram-positive bacteria. The peptidoglycan layer of gram-negative bacteria is covered by a membrane and is not labeled by the lectin. By exploiting this phenomenon, an alternative Gram staining technique has been developed.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Acetylglucosamine / metabolism
Bacteria / classification*
Bacteria / metabolism
Cell Membrane / metabolism
Fluorescent Dyes
Gentian Violet*
Phenazines*
Staining and Labeling / methods*
Wheat Germ Agglutinins

Substances

Fluorescent Dyes
Gram's stain
Phenazines
Wheat Germ Agglutinins
Gentian Violet
Acetylglucosamine