Iodine in Gram staining

[kell]

can any1 tell me what is the function of iodine in the gram staining process?

[Sepals]

I know but I can't tell you. It's probably on this site if not on like 10,000 other sites at least. Try google.

[mkwaje]

I agree with Sepals. Try searching for principles of gram staining, you'll probably even get illustrations. It's much easier to look for the answers rather than waiting for replies

[nisanjlk]

iodine acts as a mordant. it sets the stain

[mkwaje]

iodine acts as a mordant. it sets the stain

see what I mean Kell? The answers that may be posted may lead to more questions like what is a mordant and what does "sets the stain" mean? The answer by nisanjlk is perfectly correct though a bit more of explanation is in order. The best answer can be found by searching some more in the net Feel free to post if you still can't understand the principle and we'll clarify it for you.