GRE Subject Test: Biology : Understanding the Cell Wall

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Cell Membrane And Organelles

What polymer is commonly found in the cell walls of fungi?

Possible Answers:

Chitin

Peptidoglycan

Cellulose

Glycogen

Correct answer:

Chitin

Explanation:

Although cell walls often serve very similar functions for different species, the composition of the cell walls can vary significantly. Plant cell walls employ cellulose, while bacteria use peptidoglycan. Fungal cell walls use the polymer chitin.

Example Question #1 : Understanding The Cell Wall

In bacteria, what is the polymer that makes up the cell wall?

Possible Answers:

Chitin 

Cellulose

Glycogen 

Starch

Peptidoglycan 

Correct answer:

Peptidoglycan 

Explanation:

The correct answer is peptidoglycan. Cellulose composes the cell walls of plants, whereas chitin composes the cell walls of fungi. Starch and glycogen are stored polymers of glucose in plants and animals, respectively.

Example Question #1 : Cell Membrane And Organelles

Which statement correctly describes a Gram-positive bacterial cell?

Possible Answers:

Has a very thin peptidoglycan layer

Stains red in the Gram stain

Contains a periplasmic space

Contains no outer membrane outside of the peptidoglycan layer

Stains red in the acid-fast stain

Correct answer:

Contains no outer membrane outside of the peptidoglycan layer

Explanation:

A Gram-positive cell has the following basic structural characteristics: stains dark purple in the Gram stain, has a thick peptidoglycan layer, and possesses no outer membrane beyond this layer. Thus, there is also no periplasmic space. Acid-fast stains are only used for specific bacteria that have waxy cell walls.

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