Questions and Answers
How much peptidoglycan is found in a Gram-positive cell wall?
60-90%
How much peptidoglycan is found in a Gram-negative cell wall?
10-20%
How do some antibiotics and disinfectants kill bacteria?
Some will target the cell capsule and prevent formation of cell wall.
What is the bacterial shape of coccus?
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What is the bacterial shape of bacillus?
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What is the bacterial shape of vibrio?
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What is the bacterial shape of spirillum?
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What is the bacterial shape of spirochete?
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What is pleomorphism?
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What is the arrangement of cells in diplo?
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What is the arrangement of cells in strepto?
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What is the arrangement of cells in tetrads?
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What is the arrangement of cells in sarcinae?
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What is the arrangement of cells in staphylo?
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Structurally, what do bacterial cells consist of?
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What are two important functions of the bacterial cell wall?
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What is the single most important component of the bacterial cell wall?
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What is endotoxin?
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What does endotoxin consist of?
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What is the periplasmic space?
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Why is the periplasmic space important?
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Study Notes
Bacterial Cell Wall Composition
- Gram-positive cell walls contain 60-90% peptidoglycan.
- Gram-negative cell walls consist of 10-20% peptidoglycan.
Antibiotic Mechanisms
- Certain antibiotics and disinfectants target the cell capsule, hindering cell wall formation and contributing to bacterial cell death.
Bacterial Shapes
- Coccus: spherical shape.
- Bacillus: rod-like shape.
- Vibrio: comma-shaped.
- Spirillum: rigid structure.
- Spirochete: corkscrew form.
Pleomorphism
- Refers to the variability in bacterial shape, with some bacteria showing diverse forms even within a single culture.
Cellular Arrangements
- Diplococci: bacteria arranged in pairs.
- Streptococci: bacteria organized in chains.
- Tetrads: four cells structured in a cube.
- Sarcinae: eight cells arranged in a cube.
- Staphylococci: bacteria clustered in grape-like formations.
Structural Components of Bacterial Cells
- Bacterial cells consist of a cell membrane, a cell wall, internal cytoplasm containing ribosomes, a nuclear region, and external structures like capsules, flagella, and pili.
Functions of the Bacterial Cell Wall
- Maintains the specific shape of the bacterium.
- Prevents rupture of the cell when subjected to osmotic pressure from fluids.
Key Cell Wall Component
- Peptidoglycan is the single most crucial element of the bacterial cell wall.
Endotoxin Details
- Endotoxin is integral to the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and is released upon the breakdown of dead bacteria's cell walls.
- It comprises polysaccharides and lipid A.
Periplasmic Space
- The periplasmic space is the area between the cell membrane and the cell wall.
- This space is pivotal for bacterial metabolism, indicating a high level of cellular activity.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell walls with this quiz. Learn about peptidoglycan content and the mechanisms of antibiotics. Assess your understanding of bacterial shapes and their characteristics.