What characteristic defines a Gram-positive bacterium?

A Gram-positive bacterium is defined by its ability to retain the purple color after the Gram staining process. This retention is due to its thick peptidoglycan layer, which is a major component of its cell wall. During the Gram staining procedure, a crystal violet dye is applied, followed by iodine, which forms a complex with the dye. In Gram-positive bacteria, this complex is retained even after a decolorizing agent, typically alcohol or acetone, is applied. The thick peptidoglycan layer prevents the dye from being washed out, resulting in a purple appearance under the microscope.

In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer and also possess an outer membrane, which allows the dye to be washed away during the decolorization step, resulting in a pink or red color after counterstaining. Thus, the ability to retain the purple dye is a defining feature of Gram-positive bacteria, distinguishing them from Gram-negative bacteria.