Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the primary structural component of the bacterial cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria?
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7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions
Introduction to Bacterial Cell Walls
Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures is found in the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria but not in Gram-positive bacteria?
A
Capsule
B
Outer membrane
C
Teichoic acids
D
Thick peptidoglycan layer
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the basic differences between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer but possess an additional outer membrane.
Step 2: Identify the structures listed in the problem and recall which are characteristic of each bacterial type. For example, teichoic acids are typically found in Gram-positive bacteria and contribute to the thick peptidoglycan layer.
Step 3: Recognize that the capsule is an external structure that can be present in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, so it is not unique to either group.
Step 4: Focus on the outer membrane, which is a distinctive feature of Gram-negative bacteria. This outer membrane contains lipopolysaccharides and is absent in Gram-positive bacteria.
Step 5: Conclude that the structure found in the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria but not in Gram-positive bacteria is the outer membrane.
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