A research laboratory is investigating environmental factors that would inhibit the growth of Archaea. One question they have is whether adding the antibiotic penicillin would be effective in controlling their growth. What do you think the outcome would be if they tried this?
A) The penicillin wouldn't affect the Archaea because it prevents cross-linking of peptidoglycan and Archaea don't have this compound in their cell walls.
B) The penicillin will inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis and thus cell wall formation in the Archaea, killing them.
C) The penicillin will slow down the growth of the Archaea by damaging the cell wall, but they will still be able to grow somewhat.
D) The penicillin will enhance the growth of the Archaea by providing a rich nutrient source.
E) The penicillin will inhibit cell division in the Archaea, forcing them to form endospores.

Question

A research laboratory is investigating environmental factors that would inhibit the growth of Archaea. One question they have is whether adding the antibiotic penicillin would be effective in controlling their growth. What do you think the outcome would be if they tried this?
A) The penicillin wouldn't affect the Archaea because it prevents cross-linking of peptidoglycan and Archaea don't have this compound in their cell walls.
B) The penicillin will inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis and thus cell wall formation in the Archaea, killing them.
C) The penicillin will slow down the growth of the Archaea by damaging the cell wall, but they will still be able to grow somewhat.
D) The penicillin will enhance the growth of the Archaea by providing a rich nutrient source.
E) The penicillin will inhibit cell division in the Archaea, forcing them to form endospores.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Penicillin works by preventing cross-linking of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls. Archaea do not have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, so the antibiotic would not affect their growth.

A Research Laboratory Is Investigating Environmental Factors That Would Inhibit