Alternate gram staining technique using a fluorescent lectin.
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.
Sizemore
R K
RK
Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Wilmington 28403-3297.
Caldwell
J J
JJ
Kendrick
A S
AS
D000117:Acetylglucosamine / Q000378:metabolism; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification* / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D005840:Gentian Violet; D010619:Phenazines; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; C035863:Gram's stain; D010619:Phenazines; D014909:Wheat Germ Agglutinins; D005840:Gentian Violet; D000117:Acetylglucosamine