Which step in the Gram stain is the critical step in differentiating Gram negative cells from Gram positive cells?

The rapid decolorization with ethanol or acetone

and counterstaining with safranin

When a decolorizer such as alcohol or acetone is added, it interacts with the lipids of the cell membrane. A gram-negative cell loses its outer lipopolysaccharide membrane, and the inner peptidoglycan layer is left exposed: when safranin is added they will turn red. Conversely, gram-positives retain the Cristal violet and will color in purple

kelp are large brown algae that live in cool, relatively shallow waters close to the shore. they grow in dense groupings much like a forest on land. these underwater towers of kelp provide food and shelter for thousands of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammal species.

e) all of the above