Question

Dr. Paul Ehrlich observed that the differential stain developed by Dr. Gram suggested bacteria could be killed differentially by chemicals (Chapter 1). He called these potential antibacterial agents "magic bullets".Which among the following cell features of bacteria are potential targets for Dr. Ehrlich's "magic bullets" due to significant difference or absence from humans?Choose all that apply.DNAGlycocalyxCytoplasmic membraneRibosomeCytoskeletonCell wall

Answer 1

The correct answer is Glycocalyx, ribosome and cell wall.

Step-by-step explanation:

Glycocalyx is mainly found in bacteria that makes a protective covering outside the cell wall in the form of capsule of bacteria and provide protection to bacteria from host immune cell.

Bacterial ribosomes are different from human ribosomes. Bacteria contain 70s ribosome while humans contain 80s ribosome so ribosomes are potential targets for many drugs present today.

Bacterial cell contain cell wall which is made up of peptidoglycan or lipopolysaccharide but human cell does not contain a cell wall, therefore, many drugs are designed to destroy cell wall of bacteria like penicillin.

So glycocalyx, ribosomes, and cell wall can be potential targets for Dr. Ehrlich's "magic bullets" due to significant difference or absence from humans.