Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781305389892
Author: Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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Chapter 26, Problem 1TYK
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Bacterial cells can be classified as gram-positive or gram-negative, depending upon the ability to retain the stain. The gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan, while the gram-negative bacteria have a thin layer of peptidoglycan cell-wall. The crosslinking of a peptidoglycan in gram-positive bacteria helps it retain the crystal violet stain (gram stain). Gram-negative bacteria have a slime layer outside their plasma membrane that is also known as a capsule in certain cases. The human gut and excretory system are often colonized by a huge range of microbiota.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

Pili keep them attached to the urethral walls.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (d) is pili. Pili are the hair-like structures that arise from the cell walls of the bacteria. Pili are mostly present in gram-negative bacteria and help them adhere to a surface like other prokaryotic cells or tissue membranes like the urethral lining in humans. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (a) is sex pili. The sex pili are extended for conjugation, in which the one bacterium exchanges genetic material with another, under adverse conditions. Sex pili do not help in adherence to the host tissues. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is flagella. Flagella are hair-like extensions that help in the locomotion of a microbe. The flagella move with the help of motor proteins, allowing the bacteria to move from one location to another. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (c) is capsule. The capsule is a diffused glycocalyx present in the gram-negative bacteria. It protects the bacteria from antibiotic effects. The peptidoglycan of cell-wall protects the bacteria from adverse environments. So, it is an incorrect option.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the bacterial cells that are present in the urethra are gram-negative as their surface is covered with pili that help them adhere to the urethral walls.

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Students have asked these similar questions
A bacterium has the following characteristics: I. It adheres to the human intestinal lining using a feature that protects it from phagocytes , bacteriophages, and dehydration. II. It can survive being boiled. III. It contains no plasmids and relatively little peptidoglycan. Which of the following characteristics allows this bacteria to survive in a human who is taking penicillin pills? A. gram-negative cell wall B. peptidoglycan in the cell wall C. lipopolysaccharides in the cytoplasm D. long polypeptides in the cell wall
Which one of the following statements about the Gram stain is false?   A-In the Gram stain, a dye called crystal violet is used to stain the cells purple. B-Gram positive cells end up being stained purple. C-Gram negative cells have thinner peptidoglycan  layers than Gram positive bacteria. D-In the Gram stain, alcohol is used to kill the bacteria E-Gram negative cells end up being stained pink or red.
A bacterium has the following characteristics:∙ It adheres to the human intestinal lining using a feature that protects it from phagocytes, bacteriophages, and dehydration∙ It can survive being boiled∙ It contains no plasmids and relatively little peptidoglycanWhich of the following characteristics allows this bacterium to adhere to the intestinal lining? Group of answer choices A. fimbriae B. pili C. an endospore D. a flagellum
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