Final answer:
Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli, are generally more resistant to antibiotics compared to Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus. This is due to differences in their cell walls, including the presence of an outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria and a thicker layer of peptidoglycan in Gram-positive bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria have different susceptibilities to antibiotics. Gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to antibiotics compared to Gram-positive bacteria. This is due to the differences in their cell walls.
Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that acts as a barrier and makes it more difficult for antibiotics to penetrate the cell. They also have efflux pumps that can actively remove antibiotics from the cell. Additionally, Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which makes them less susceptible to certain antibiotics that target this component.
On the other hand, Gram-positive bacteria have a thicker layer of peptidoglycan in their cell walls, making them more susceptible to antibiotics that target this component. They do not have an outer membrane, allowing antibiotics to easily access their cell walls and interfere with their growth.