Which Statement About Bacterial Cell Walls is False

Question

Which statement about bacterial cell walls is false?
A) Bacterial cell walls differ in molecular composition from plant cell walls.
B) Cell walls prevent cells from bursting in hypotonic environments.
C) Cell walls prevent cells from dying in hypertonic conditions.
D) Bacterial cell walls are similar in function to the cell walls of many protists, fungi, and plants.
E) Cell walls provide the cell with a degree of physical protection from the environment.

Accepted Answer

Bacterial cell walls do not prevent cells from dying in hypertonic conditions. In fact, in hypertonic conditions, water leaves the cells and the cells may shrink or even die. The cell wall does, however, provide some protection against these harsh conditions.