Which types of bacterial cells may possess a cell wall?

• A. Only Gram-positive bacteria
• B. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
• C. Neither Gram-positive nor Gram-negative bacteria
• D. Only Gram-negative bacteria

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of bacterial cell walls: Bacterial cell walls provide shape and protection, and their composition differs between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
2. Recall that Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain during Gram staining.
3. Recall that Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer but also possess an outer membrane; they do have a cell wall, but it is structurally different from Gram-positive bacteria.
4. Recognize that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria possess cell walls, although their composition and structure vary.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria may possess a cell wall.