Which of the following best describes the primary structural component of the bacterial cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria?

• A. Thick layer of peptidoglycan
• B. Thin layer of peptidoglycan surrounded by an outer membrane
• C. Capsule composed of polysaccharides
• D. Outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the bacterial cell wall provides structural support and shape to the cell, and its composition varies between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
2. Recall that Gram-positive bacteria have a characteristic thick cell wall, which is primarily composed of peptidoglycan, a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids.
3. Recognize that Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer but possess an additional outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which is absent in Gram-positive bacteria.
4. Identify that capsules composed of polysaccharides are external structures that can be present in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria but are not the primary structural component of the cell wall.
5. Conclude that the best description of the primary structural component of the bacterial cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria is a thick layer of peptidoglycan.