70.7k views
3 votes
A gram-negative cell wall consists of_________

A) cholesterol and peptidoglycan
B) peptidoglycan and cellulose
C) a thin layer of peptidoglycan surrounded by a capsule
D) a thin layer of peptidoglycan surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides
E) a thick layer of peptidoglycan surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

The correct answer is D. A gram-negative cell wall consists of a thin layer of peptidoglycan surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gram-negative bacteria are bacteria that do not retain the gentian violet dye during the Gram staining protocol.

During the Gram staining process, a contrast dye, usually safranin, is added after gentian violet, causing the Gram negative bacteria to stain pink or red. The contrast dye thus allows the visualization of Gram-negative bacteria which, because they have a thinner layer of peptidoglycans, cannot retain the gentian violet dye.

Its main feature is an endotoxin called lipopolysaccharide that causes pathogenicity and is responsible for its virulence.

User Mark Leiber
by
5.4k points