Question

Which of the following are gram-positive cells that have lost their cells walls, usually as a result of the activity of lysozyme or penicillin? 1) Archaea 2) Bacteria 3) Fungi 4) Protozoa

Answer 1

Gram-positive bacteria can lose their cell walls to become L-form bacteria or L-phase variants due to the action of lysozyme or penicillin, compromising their peptidoglycan layer. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gram-positive bacteria that have lost their cell walls, usually as a result of the activity of lysozyme or penicillin, are referred to as L-form bacteria or L-phase variants.

The lysozyme enzyme breaks down the peptidoglycan layer, which is thick and predominant in gram-positive bacterial cell walls.

Penicillin inhibits the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which ultimately compromises the integrity of the bacterial cell wall, leading to the formation of L-form bacteria that lack the typical rigid cell wall structure. The correct option is B.