Peptidoglycan
A) may be digested by penicillin.
B) consists of a long string of NAG coupled to a long string of NAM.
C) may be digested by lysozyme.
D) is found in bacteria, archaea, and plants.
E) is only found in Gram-positive cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan can be digested by lysozyme, an enzyme found in tears, saliva, and other secretions of many animals.

Answer: B
 Peptidoglycan is a polymer consisting of a long string of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) molecules, which are connected by peptide bonds.

Answer: A
 Penicillin and other antibiotics target peptidoglycan by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in its synthesis or by weakening its structure. This can lead to bacterial cell lysis and death.

Answer: D
 Peptidoglycan is a key component of the cell wall in bacteria and archaea, and is also found in some eukaryotic organisms such as plants.

Answer: E
 Peptidoglycan is a major component of the thick cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, but is also present in the thinner cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria.