Researchers studying the rigidity and flexibility of the cell envelope used chemotaxis to measure the ability of microbes to squeeze through tight spaces. e. coli, a gram-negative bacterium, was able to traverse narrower channels than b. subtilis, a gram-positive microbe, even though both cells are the same size when grown without restriction. e. coli has the more flexible cell envelope because:.a. lipopolysaccharide has no charge.
b. it has fewer flagella.
c. it has only a single membrane.
d. there is less structural carbohydrate.
e. there are fewer protein receptors.

Answer is (D)

Explanation:

The microorganisms cell envelope is a complex multilayered structure that serves to shield these life forms from their unpredictable and regularly antagonistic condition. The cell envelopes of most microscopic organisms can be categorized as one of two significant gatherings. Gram-negative microorganisms such as E.Coli are encompassed by a meager peptidoglycan cell divider, which itself is encompassed by an external layer containing lipopolysaccharide. Gram-positive microscopic organisms do not have an external film however are encompassed by layers of peptidoglycan commonly thicker than is found in the Gram-negatives.

The answer is observations and interpreting.