Which of the following correctly describes one difference between gram-positive bacterial cells and gram-negative bacterial cells? Gram-positive bacteria have less peptidoglycan Gram-positive bacteria can all form endospores Gram-positive bacteria have a thicker cell membrane Gram-positive bacteria have more peptidoglycan

Concepts of Biology
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Chapter13: Diversity Of Microbes, Fungi, And Protists
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1ACQ: Figure 13.6 Which of the following statements is true? a. Gram-positive bacteria have a single cell...
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### Understanding Bacterial Cell Structures

#### Question: 
Which of the following correctly describes one difference between gram-positive bacterial cells and gram-negative bacterial cells?

#### Answer Choices:
  - ⦿ Gram-positive bacteria have less peptidoglycan.
  - ○ Gram-positive bacteria can all form endospores.
  - ○ Gram-positive bacteria have a thicker cell membrane.
  - ○ Gram-positive bacteria have more peptidoglycan.

**Explanation:**
The correct statement from the options provided is that gram-positive bacteria have more peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan is a major component of the cell wall of bacterial cells, and it is significantly thicker in gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria. 

- **Gram-positive bacteria** have a thick peptidoglycan layer, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, causing these bacteria to appear purple under a microscope.
- **Gram-negative bacteria** have a thinner peptidoglycan layer located between an inner cell membrane and an outer cell membrane. Because of this structure, they do not retain the crystal violet stain and instead appear red or pink due to the counterstain (usually safranin) used in the procedure.

Understanding this difference is crucial for various applications in microbiology, including antibiotic targeting, as many antibiotics target the peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Bacterial Cell Structures #### Question: Which of the following correctly describes one difference between gram-positive bacterial cells and gram-negative bacterial cells? #### Answer Choices: - ⦿ Gram-positive bacteria have less peptidoglycan. - ○ Gram-positive bacteria can all form endospores. - ○ Gram-positive bacteria have a thicker cell membrane. - ○ Gram-positive bacteria have more peptidoglycan. **Explanation:** The correct statement from the options provided is that gram-positive bacteria have more peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan is a major component of the cell wall of bacterial cells, and it is significantly thicker in gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria. - **Gram-positive bacteria** have a thick peptidoglycan layer, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, causing these bacteria to appear purple under a microscope. - **Gram-negative bacteria** have a thinner peptidoglycan layer located between an inner cell membrane and an outer cell membrane. Because of this structure, they do not retain the crystal violet stain and instead appear red or pink due to the counterstain (usually safranin) used in the procedure. Understanding this difference is crucial for various applications in microbiology, including antibiotic targeting, as many antibiotics target the peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls.
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