Multiple Choice
In the figure, which diagram of a cell wall represents a structure that protects the bacterial cell against osmotic lysis?
94
views
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions
Introduction to Bacterial Cell Walls
Struggling with Microbiology?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In the figure, which diagram of a bacterial cell wall is most resistant to many antibiotics such as penicillin?
A
Archaeal cell wall
B
Gram-negative cell wall
C
Mycoplasma cell wall
D
Gram-positive cell wall
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the structure of different bacterial cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer plus an outer membrane, Mycoplasma lack a cell wall, and Archaea have unique cell wall compositions that differ from bacteria.
Step 2: Recognize that penicillin and many antibiotics target the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is a major component of bacterial cell walls.
Step 3: Analyze why Gram-negative bacteria are more resistant: their outer membrane acts as a barrier to many antibiotics, preventing them from reaching the peptidoglycan layer effectively.
Step 4: Compare this to Gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick peptidoglycan layer but lack the outer membrane, making them generally more susceptible to antibiotics like penicillin.
Step 5: Conclude that the Gram-negative cell wall structure, with its protective outer membrane, provides greater resistance to many antibiotics such as penicillin.
3:44mWatch next
Master Introduction to Bacterial Cell Walls with a bite sized video explanation from Jason
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Introduction to Bacterial Cell Walls practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations