Multiple Choice
In prokaryotic cell architecture, what is the primary structural component of most bacterial cell walls?
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1. Overview of Cell Biology
Prokaryotic Cell Architecture
Multiple Choice
In prokaryotic cell architecture, what is the primary structural polymer that makes up most bacterial cell walls?
A
Cellulose, a polymer of glucose found in plant cell walls
B
Peptidoglycan (murein), a polymer of sugars cross-linked by short peptides
C
Chitin, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine found in fungal cell walls
D
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major outer leaflet component of Gram-negative outer membranes
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context: The question asks about the primary structural polymer in bacterial cell walls, which are characteristic of prokaryotic cells.
Recall that bacterial cell walls provide shape and protection, and their main component differs from plant and fungal cell walls.
Identify the polymers listed: Cellulose is found in plant cell walls, chitin in fungal cell walls, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is part of the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria but not the main structural polymer of the cell wall.
Recognize that peptidoglycan (also called murein) is a unique polymer composed of sugars and short peptides that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane in most bacteria, providing rigidity and strength.
Conclude that peptidoglycan is the primary structural polymer making up most bacterial cell walls, distinguishing them from eukaryotic cell walls.
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