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Multiple Choice
What is the primary structural difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria?
A
Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, while gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.
B
Gram-positive bacteria have an outer membrane, while gram-negative bacteria lack an outer membrane.
C
Gram-positive bacteria have a single lipid bilayer, while gram-negative bacteria have two lipid bilayers.
D
Gram-positive bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer, while gram-negative bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of bacterial cell walls: Bacteria are classified into two main groups based on their cell wall structure, which can be identified using the Gram stain technique.
Identify the characteristics of gram-positive bacteria: Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining process, giving them a purple appearance under a microscope.
Identify the characteristics of gram-negative bacteria: Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an additional outer membrane. This structure does not retain the crystal violet stain but takes up the counterstain (safranin), appearing pink.
Compare the lipid bilayers: Gram-positive bacteria have a single lipid bilayer, while gram-negative bacteria have two lipid bilayers due to the presence of the outer membrane.
Summarize the primary structural differences: The key differences are the thickness of the peptidoglycan layer and the presence of an outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria, which gram-positive bacteria lack.