Gram stain is a technique to classify bacteria into gram -positive and gram -negative based on their cell wall properties. Learn how it works, who invented it and when it is used in medicine and research. What is Gram staining ? Gram staining , a pivotal technique in microbiology, was pioneered by the Danish bacteriologist Hans Christian Gram in 1884. The primary objective of this method is to differentiate bacterial species into two principal groups based on the chemical and physical properties of their cell walls: gram -positive bacteria and gram -negative bacteria. The procedure begins with the application of a primary stain , crystal violet, to the bacterial sample. Following this, Lugol’s ... Learn how to perform Gram staining , a differential staining technique that separates bacteria into gram -positive and gram -negative based on cell wall composition. See the steps, reagents, results, and limitations of Gram staining . Gram stain is the most widely used standard procedure in microbiology that is used to classify bacteria according to their cell wall composition. It distinguishes the bacteria into two major groups; Gram -positive and Gram -negative bacteria. see : Difference between gram -positive and gram -negative bacteria. It is a valuable diagnostic tool in both research and clinical settings. It helps in the characterization and identification of bacteria.