Multiple Choice
Which of the following components is found in the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria but not in Gram-negative bacteria?
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7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions
Introduction to Bacterial Cell Walls
Multiple Choice
A periplasmic flagellum found in some spirochete bacteria is a(n) ______ filament.
A
axial
B
fimbrial
C
pili
D
capsular
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of spirochete bacteria: they have a unique type of flagella located in the periplasmic space, which is the area between the inner cytoplasmic membrane and the outer membrane.
Recall that typical bacterial flagella are external appendages used for motility, but in spirochetes, the flagella are internal and wrapped around the cell body.
Identify the term used to describe these internal flagella: they are called 'axial filaments' because they run along the axis of the cell within the periplasmic space.
Differentiate axial filaments from other bacterial surface structures such as fimbriae (used for attachment), pili (involved in conjugation), and capsules (protective layers), none of which are involved in motility like the axial filament.
Conclude that the correct term for the periplasmic flagellum in spirochetes is 'axial filament'.
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