Q: Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of total magnification when using a microscope to view the bacterial cell wall structures shown in the diagram?

$\text{Total Magnification} = \text{Objective Lens Magnification} \times \text{Ocular Lens Magnification}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main structural difference between the cell walls of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as shown in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and lack an outer membrane, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane.

Question 2

Which component, present only in Gram-negative bacteria, contributes to their increased resistance to certain antibiotics and is visible in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

Outer membrane

Question 3

Based on the diagram, which layer is responsible for the retention of the crystal violet stain in Gram-positive bacteria during the Gram stain procedure?

Accepted Answer

Thick peptidoglycan layer

Question 4

If a bacterial cell with the structure on the right side of the diagram is placed in a hypotonic solution, what is most likely to happen?

Accepted Answer

Water will enter the cell, but the outer membrane and thin peptidoglycan layer may not prevent lysis as effectively as a thick peptidoglycan layer.

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly represents the calculation of total magnification when using a microscope to view the bacterial cell wall structures shown in the diagram?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Total Magnification} = 	ext{Objective Lens Magnification} 	imes 	ext{Ocular Lens Magnification}$

Question 6

Which molecule, found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is a potent inducer of inflammation in humans?

Accepted Answer

Lipid A (part of lipopolysaccharide)

Question 7

Why are Gram-negative bacteria generally more resistant to antibiotics that target peptidoglycan synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Their outer membrane acts as a barrier to many antibiotics, limiting access to the thin peptidoglycan layer.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why Gram-positive bacteria appear purple after Gram staining, while Gram-negative bacteria appear pink?

Accepted Answer

The thick peptidoglycan layer in Gram-positive bacteria retains the crystal violet-iodine complex, while the thin layer in Gram-negative bacteria does not.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the plasma membrane in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a phospholipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls?

Accepted Answer

It provides structural support and protects against osmotic lysis.

Microbiology Study Guide: Chapters 1, 3, & 4 – Foundations, Microscopy, and Cell Structure

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