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Figure 13.6 Which of the following statements is true?
a. Gram-positive bacteria have a single cell wall formed from peptidoglycan.
b. Gram-positive bacteria have an outer membrane.
c. The cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria is thick, and the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria is thin.
d. Gram-negative bacteria have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, while Gram-positive bacteria have a cell wall made of phospholipids.
Introduction:
The gram stain test is used to differentiate between the gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. The gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain of the gram stain test. While, the gram-negative bacteria, do not retain the crystal violet stain when discoloring agent is applied to it.
Answer to Problem 1ACQ
Correct answer:
Among the answers given, the correct answer is option (a) the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria us formed only of peptidoglycan.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation/justification for the correct answer:
Option (a) is the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria is formed only of peptidoglycan. The cell wall of gram-positive bacteria is thick as it contains many layers of peptidoglycan. Whereas, the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria is thin layered and is composed of peptidoglycan and other structures. Hence, this option is correct.
Explanation for incorrect answer:
Option (b) is gram-positive bacteria contains an outer membrane. The cell wall of gram-negative bacteria is surrounded by an outer membrane, while there is no outer membrane in gram-positive bacteria. Hence, this option is incorrect.
Option (c) is the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria is thick and that of gram-positive bacteria is thin. Many layers of peptidoglycan make the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria thick, while a single layer of peptidoglycan in gram-negative bacteria makes the cell wall thin. Hence, this option is incorrect.
Option (d) is the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria is made of peptidoglycan and that of gram-positive bacteria is made of phospholipids. The cell wall of gram-positive bacteria does not contain phospholipids. It is made up only of peptidoglycan. On the other hand, the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria contains other structures along with peptidoglycan. Hence, this option is incorrect.
The correct statement is that gram positive bacteria contains only of peptidoglycan. Hence, option (a) is correct.
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