Question

which of the following is an accurate characteristic of bacterial cell walls? they prevent cells from shrinking in hypertonic environments. they are primarily made of chitin. they prevent cells from bursting in hypertonic environments. they have peptidoglycan only if they are gram - negative.

Explanation:

Bacterial cell walls are rigid structures that counteract osmotic pressure. In hypertonic environments, water leaves cells; the cell wall stops excessive shrinking. Chitin is in fungal/arthropod structures, not bacterial walls. In hypotonic (not hypertonic) environments, walls prevent bursting. All bacterial cell walls have peptidoglycan, not just gram-negative ones.

Answer:

They prevent cells from shrinking in hypertonic environments.