foundations in microbiology test bank Related

Review foundations in microbiology test bank related questions and content

Which of the following is characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria?

  • A. Thick peptidoglycan layer
  • B. Outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides
  • C. Presence of teichoic acids
  • D. Absence of a cell wall
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides. Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that contains lipopolysaccharides, which are important for protection and pathogenicity. This outer membrane is a unique feature of Gram-negative bacteria and is not present in Gram-positive bacteria, making it a key characteristic.

A: Incorrect because Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer compared to Gram-positive bacteria.
C: Incorrect because teichoic acids are a characteristic of Gram-positive bacteria, not Gram-negative bacteria.
D: Incorrect because all bacteria, including Gram-negative bacteria, have a cell wall.