What is the role of teichoic acids in Gram-positive bacteria?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific functions of teichoic acids in Gram-positive bacteria, which are important structural polymers in these organisms. We need to identify which statement accurately describes their role.
Answer
Teichoic acids help maintain cell wall integrity, shape, and division in Gram-positive bacteria.
Teichoic acids play roles in cell wall integrity, cell shape determination, regulating cell division, and possibly acting as receptor molecules for bacteriophages. They constitute a significant portion of the cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria.
Answer for screen readers
Teichoic acids play roles in cell wall integrity, cell shape determination, regulating cell division, and possibly acting as receptor molecules for bacteriophages. They constitute a significant portion of the cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria.
More Information
Teichoic acids are anionic polymers such as polyglycerol phosphate units found in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria. They can constitute up to 50% or more of the cell wall's dry weight.
Sources
- Wall Teichoic Acids of Gram-Positive Bacteria - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Wall teichoic acids of gram-positive bacteria - PubMed - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Teichoic acid - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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