Return to text . The term prokaryote is derived from two Greek words pro- and karyon meaning 'before the nucleus'. Return to text . Coccus is derived from the Latinised Greek word kokkos , meaning 'a berry'. Return to text .
Bacillus is the Latin for a stick or rod.
Return to text . The slide is treated with crystal violet, then an iodine solution. All cells appear blue black at this stage. Only Gram-positive cells can be easily seen at this stage. Gram-negative cells are counterstained with the red dye carbol fuchsin, so that they, too, may be easily seen.