List the standard steps of the Gram stain in the correct order.

• A. Apply crystal violet (primary stain); apply iodine (mordant); decolorize briefly with alcohol or acetone; counterstain with safranin.
• B. Apply iodine (mordant); decolorize; apply crystal violet; counterstain with safranin.
• C. Apply crystal violet (primary stain); apply iodine (mordant); decolorize briefly with alcohol or acetone; counterstain with safranin.
• D. Counterstain with safranin; apply crystal violet; decolorize; apply iodine.

Answer: (C)