Textbook Question
Complete the Venn diagram that compares and contrasts Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
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Ch. 3 - Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Introduction to Microbiology22
- Ch. 2 - Biochemistry Basics19
- Ch. 3 - Introduction to Prokaryotic Cells17
- Ch. 4 - Introduction to Eukaryotic Cells16
- Ch. 5 - Genetics25
- Ch. 6 - Viruses and Prions12
- Ch. 7 - Fundamentals of Microbial Growth20
- Ch. 8 - Microbial Metabolism16
- Ch. 9 - Principles of Infectious Disease and Epidemiology11
- Ch. 10 - Host Microbe Interactions and Pathogenesis19
- Ch. 11 - Innate Immunity24
- Ch. 12 - Adaptive Immunity22
- Ch. 13 - Immune System Disorders15
- Ch. 14 - Biomedical Applications: Vaccines, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Molecular Method14
- Ch. 15 - Antimicrobial Drugs18
- Ch. 16 - Respiratory System Infections16
- Ch. 17 - Skin and Eye Infections19
- Ch. 18 - Nervous System Infections12
- Ch. 19 - Digestive System Infections20
- Ch. 20 - Urinary and Reproductive System Infections10
- Ch. 21 - Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Infections15
Norman-McKay2nd EditionMicrobiology: Basic and Clinical PrinciplesISBN: 9780137661619Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 8
Which of the following would you expect to find in acid-fast cell walls? Select all that
apply.
a. Peptidoglycan
b. Phospholipids
c. Lipopolysaccharide
d. Lipid A
e. Mycolic acid
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the composition of acid-fast bacterial cell walls. Acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium species, have a unique cell wall structure that differs from typical Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Step 2: Recall that acid-fast cell walls contain peptidoglycan, which is a common component of bacterial cell walls providing structural support. So, peptidoglycan is present.
Step 3: Recognize that acid-fast bacteria have a high lipid content in their cell walls, especially mycolic acids, which are long-chain fatty acids that make the cell wall waxy and resistant to staining and chemicals.
Step 4: Consider phospholipids, which are components of all biological membranes, including bacterial cytoplasmic membranes, so they are present but not unique to acid-fast cell walls.
Step 5: Understand that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its component lipid A are characteristic of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, not acid-fast bacteria, so these would not be expected in acid-fast cell walls.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Acid-Fast Cell Wall Structure
Acid-fast bacteria, such as Mycobacterium species, have a unique cell wall rich in mycolic acids, which are long-chain fatty acids that provide a waxy, hydrophobic barrier. This structure makes them resistant to decolorization by acid-alcohol during staining, distinguishing them from other bacteria.
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02:59
Gram-Positive Cell Walls
Peptidoglycan Layer in Bacterial Cell Walls
Peptidoglycan is a polymer that forms a rigid layer in bacterial cell walls, providing structural support. Acid-fast bacteria contain peptidoglycan beneath their mycolic acid layer, similar to Gram-positive bacteria, but it is masked by the thick lipid-rich outer layer.
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03:44Introduction to Bacterial Cell Walls
Lipopolysaccharide and Lipid A in Gram-Negative Bacteria
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its component Lipid A are found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, contributing to their structural integrity and pathogenicity. Acid-fast bacteria do not have LPS or Lipid A, as their cell wall composition differs significantly from Gram-negative bacteria.
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3:04Gram-Negative Cell Walls
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Complete the table by answering yes or no for each question.
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Textbook Question
Archaea cell walls tend to contain:
a. Lipid bilayers.
b. Pseudopeptidoglycan.
c. Cholesterol.
d. Flagellin.
e. Peptidoglycan.
Textbook Question
Match the cellular structures to their functions. Many statements will be used more than once; some structures may be matched to more than one functional description.
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Textbook Question
What is the flagella arrangement for each of the pictured bacteria? <IMAGE>
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Textbook Question
State the shape and arrangement of the pictured bacterial samples. <IMAGE>
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