Which two types of acids are characteristic components of the Gram-positive cell wall, in addition to peptidoglycan?

• A. Teichoic acid and lipopolysaccharide
• B. Teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid
• C. Lipoteichoic acid and mycolic acid
• D. Mycolic acid and lipopolysaccharide

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the basic structure of the Gram-positive bacterial cell wall, which primarily consists of a thick layer of peptidoglycan.
2. Understand that, in addition to peptidoglycan, Gram-positive cell walls contain specific acidic polymers that contribute to their structure and function.
3. Identify that teichoic acids are a major component of Gram-positive cell walls; these are polymers of glycerol or ribitol phosphate.
4. Recognize that there are two types of teichoic acids: teichoic acid (which is covalently linked to peptidoglycan) and lipoteichoic acid (which is anchored in the cytoplasmic membrane).
5. Note that lipopolysaccharide is characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria, and mycolic acid is found in acid-fast bacteria, not typical Gram-positive bacteria.