Why is penicillin ineffective against gram-negative bacteria?

A) Penicillin is not toxic to gram-negative bacteria.
B) Penicillin is pushed away from the cell membrane by the fimbriae.
C) Gram-negative bacterial do not have receptors for penicillin to attach to.
D) Gram-negative bacteria do not have channels or pores in its membrane for penicillin to pass through.
E) Penicillin cannot reach the thin peptidoglycan layer easily because it is protected by the bacteria's outer membrane.

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Zybrea Knight · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : E, Explanation :  Penicillin is less effective against gram-negative bacteria because these bacteria have an outer membrane that protects their thin peptidoglycan layer, making it difficult for penicillin to reach its target.

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