What is most likely to happen to a bacterial cell if its cell wall is destroyed?

• A. The cell will undergo lysis due to osmotic pressure.
• B. The cell will become more resistant to antibiotics.
• C. The cell will transform into a virus.
• D. The cell will start dividing more rapidly.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the bacterial cell wall: It provides structural support and protection against osmotic pressure, preventing the cell from bursting in hypotonic environments.
2. Recall what happens when the cell wall is destroyed: Without the rigid cell wall, the bacterial cell membrane is exposed and cannot withstand the osmotic pressure from the surrounding environment.
3. Consider osmotic pressure effects: Water tends to move into the bacterial cell where solute concentration is higher, causing the cell to swell.
4. Recognize the consequence of swelling without a cell wall: The bacterial cell membrane will eventually rupture, leading to cell lysis (bursting).
5. Eliminate incorrect options: The cell does not become more resistant to antibiotics, transform into a virus, or divide more rapidly as a direct result of losing its cell wall.