Each of the following statements concerning the gram-positive cell wall is true EXCEPT:

• A. It stains purple in the Gram stain procedure.
• B. It has an outer membrane similar to that of gram-negative bacteria.
• C. Teichoic acids are commonly found in its structure.
• D. It contains a thick layer of peptidoglycan.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of the gram-positive bacterial cell wall. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and lack an outer membrane, which is a key difference from gram-negative bacteria.
2. Step 2: Recall the Gram stain procedure. Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain and appear purple under the microscope due to their thick peptidoglycan layer.
3. Step 3: Identify the presence of teichoic acids. These are commonly found in the gram-positive cell wall and contribute to its structure and function.
4. Step 4: Recognize that gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane, but gram-positive bacteria do not. Therefore, any statement claiming gram-positive bacteria have an outer membrane similar to gram-negative bacteria is false.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the false statement (EXCEPT) is the one about the outer membrane, as it contradicts the known structural characteristics of gram-positive bacteria.