Gram Positive and Gram Negative - Need Simple Info (Jan/28/2011 )

Hello,
I am an 8th grader doing a science fair project and I would like to check up on my info, and find out more if possible.
Now I am only 13 so I dont need to have deep details, but i need the basics on the difference between Gram Positive and Gram Negative.
Does macconkey agar grow Gram Positive and Gram Negative?
Please dont go into big details.

Nicky135791 on Sat Jan 29 01:14:16 2011 said:

Nicky,

MacConkey agar would not allow growth of most Gram positive bacteria. It is selective for Gram negative bacteria.

To grow Gram Positive bacteria you could use Mannitol salt agar (MSA). More about MSA can be found here

Thank you to anyone who has helped me
yesterday I went to the CARSEF (Central Alabama Regional Science and Engeneering Fair) and I got Honorable Mention in my catagory

Nicky135791 on Sun Mar 6 20:22:34 2011 said:

Nicky,

You should have me in your acknowledgements....

Congrats, its all your hard work!!!!

Nicky135791 on Sun Mar 6 20:22:34 2011 said:

And what were your conclusions ? That it didnt matter wich animalsaliva you used or?

Hardly gt - you misled re. Mannitol salt agar. Staph will grow but many Gram positive bacteria will be inhibited by the high salt.