If bacteria living in salty seawater were displaced to a freshwater environment, the cell structure that would prevent the cells from rupturing is the ______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bacterial cell wall, specifically the peptidoglycan layer, provides structural support and prevents the cell from rupturing in hypoosmotic or low salt conditions. In a freshwater environment, the salt concentration is lower than that of seawater, so the bacterial cells would need a strong cell wall to prevent them from bursting. The other options would not be as effective in preventing cell rupture in this scenario.

If Bacteria Living in Salty Seawater Were Displaced to a Freshwater