Multiple choice

All of the following components are present in a gram positive bacterial cell wall except

  1. teichoic acid

  2. M-protein

  3. lipid A and O polysaccharide

  4. polysaccharides

  5. glycerol or ribitol

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Lipid A is specifically present in gram negative bacteria in the outer lipopolysaccharide membrane. It is the lipid portion of the outer membrane. When the bacteria die, they release lipid A. It is an endotoxin. It is responsible for fever, shock and dilation of blood vessels. From the core polysaccharide, O polysaccharide extends out, which is composed of sugar units. It acts as an antigen and helps distinguish different species of gram negative bacteria like E. coli. These are the only structures that are specifically confined to gram negative bacteria and are absent in gram positive bacteria.