Chapter 23, Problem 1RC

Summary Introduction

To determine: The structure of gram positive cell and its constituents.

Introduction: The bacteria are divided into various categories based on different parameters. Christian Gram devised a method to differentiate bacteria depending upon cell wall composition. . Gram stain demarcates the bacteria into gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Explanation of Solution

Pictorial representation:

Fig.1: The structure of gram positive cell.

The gram positive cells are the cells that can retain the visualizing stain called Christian Gram stain. The gram positive cell is present in the gram positive bacteria. These cells have thick layer of peptidoglycan and several other features that are not present in a gram negative cell. The gram positive cells also have two unique molecules called teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid that is not present in gram negative bacteria. The gram negative bacteria contains lipopolysaccharide that is exclusive to gram negatibe bacteria only. These are phospholipids that help in the attachment of the peptidoglycan with the phospholipid layer. the surface proteins are embedded in the peptidoglycan and acts as receptor for various cells and tissues.