NCLEX RN Predictor Exam Related

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In the Gram Stain procedure, which component acts as the mordant?

  • A. Crystal violet
  • B. Methyl alcohol
  • C. Iodine
  • D. Safranin
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the Gram Stain procedure, the mordant is Gram's Iodine. The purpose of the mordant is to form a complex with the crystal violet, enhancing its ability to bind to the cell wall. Crystal violet is actually the primary stain used in the Gram Stain procedure to initially color all cells. Methyl alcohol is the decolorizer that removes the crystal violet from certain cell types. Safranin is the counterstain used to stain those cells that did not retain the crystal violet stain after the decolorization step.