Question

why is the bacterial cell wall of such great importance?
a) the cell wall is essential for bacterial viability
b) antibiotics can target the cell wall
c) all answers are correct
d) the cell wall is involved in inducing disease in the infected host

Explanation:

• The bacterial cell wall is crucial for maintaining cell shape and protecting the bacterium from osmotic lysis, thus essential for viability (a).
• Many antibiotics (e.g., penicillins) target the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall (b).
• Components of the bacterial cell wall (e.g., lipopolysaccharides in Gram - negative bacteria) can act as virulence factors and induce disease in the host (d).

Answer:

C. All answers are correct