Final answer:
Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and typically reside on the skin, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and a complex outer membrane, often found in the gut.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bacteria are classified into two major groups based on their cell wall structure, affecting their Gram staining properties: Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall and lack an outer membrane. In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and a complex outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipoproteins. This outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria also contains porins, which are proteins that allow substances to pass through. However, these porins do not exist in Gram-positive bacteria, where the cell wall is anchored to the plasma membrane by lipoteichoic acid.
The presence and structure of these cell walls influence where bacteria are generally found in the human body. Gram-positive bacteria are commonly found on the skin due to their ability to withstand desiccation and changes in the environment, thanks to their thick cell wall. Gram-negative bacteria are often associated with the gut, where their unique outer membrane composition can aid in avoiding detection by the host's immune system.