This document discusses the Gram staining procedure used to classify bacteria as either Gram positive or Gram negative. It describes the key differences in cell wall structure that determine how bacteria retain or shed staining dyes. Gram positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer that retains the primary crystal violet stain, appearing purple under the microscope. Gram negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer and outer membrane, allowing the crystal violet to be replaced by the safranin counterstain and appear pink. The Gram stain technique was developed in 1882 and provides important information for identifying and classifying bacterial species, though it does not identify them on its own.