Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements regarding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is correct?
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1. Introduction to Microbiology
Members of the Bacterial World
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes a lipopolysaccharide?
A
It is found primarily in the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria.
B
It is a major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.
C
It functions as the main energy source for bacterial metabolism.
D
It consists of a lipid A, a core polysaccharide, and an O antigen.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are complex molecules found in bacterial cell envelopes, specifically associated with Gram-negative bacteria.
Recall the structural components of LPS: it is composed of three main parts — lipid A, which anchors the molecule in the outer membrane; the core polysaccharide; and the O antigen, which extends outward from the cell.
Recognize that LPS is a major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, contributing to the structural integrity and protection of the bacteria.
Note that LPS is not found in Gram-positive bacteria, which lack an outer membrane and instead have a thick peptidoglycan layer.
Understand that LPS does not serve as an energy source for bacteria; its primary roles are structural and immunological, such as triggering immune responses in hosts.
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