Microbiologists Use the Gram Stain to Aid in Identification of Bacteria

question 20

Multiple Choice

Microbiologists use the Gram stain to aid in identification of bacteria. What is the major difference between Gram- positive and Gram- negative bacteria?

• A) presence or absence of muramic acid in the cell wall
• B) presence or absence of peptidoglycan in the cell wall
• C) presence or absence of outer membrane
• D) structure of the lipids in the plasma membrane

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Definitions:

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to the production of haploid gametes in sexually reproducing organisms.

Spindle

Collection of microtubules that assist in the orderly distribution of chromosomes during cell division.

Plant Cells

Cells that are the basic building blocks of plant life, characterized by a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and a large central vacuole.

Centrosomes

Organelles that serve as the main microtubule organizing centers in animal cells, playing a critical role in cell division.