A Microbiologist Is Studying the Structure and Function of Bacterial

question 85

Multiple Choice

A microbiologist is studying the structure and function of bacterial cell walls.  In an experiment, group A streptococci are treated with chemicals to solubilize the cell wall.  Various cell wall-associated proteins are subsequently extracted.  Electron microscopic evaluation of a specific protein shows structural homology with mammalian tropomyosin and myosin.  This protein acts as a virulence factor for certain species of the organism.  Which of the following is the most likely function of this bacterial cell wall-associated protein?

• A)Excrete antibiotics
• B)Protect from osmotic lysis
• C)Provide mechanical cell support
• D)Resist phagocytosis
• E)Transport nutrients into the cell