What Does Safranin Stain?

The safranin is also used as a counter-stain in Gram's staining. In Gram's staining, the safranin directly stains the bacteria that has been decolorized. With safranin staining, the gram-negative bacteria can be easily distinguished from gram-positive bacteria.

What does safranin bind to in Gram staining?

Safranin, another positively charged basic dye, adheres to the cell membrane. Gram negative cells, having no dye present at this stage of the staining process will bind the safranin and appear pink under the microscope.

What color is safranin stain?

General description. Safranin O is a metachromatic, cationic dye. It is used as a counterstain in Gram staining. The stain colors Gram-negative bacteria pink to red and has no effect on Gram-positive bacteria.