Question

Within a population of Escherichia coli cells, you frequently observe rod-shaped cells that are significantly larger than the rest. This species is not known to be pleomorphic. Which is the most likely explanation for your observation?

• A. Cells are at different stages of growth before binary fission
• B. Cells have lost their cell walls
• C. Cells are different because nutritional needs are not being met
• D. Cells have lost their plasma membranes
• E. Cells are contaminated with Staphylococcus

Answer 1

The answer will be cell are at different stages of growth before binary fission.Because cells of E.coli enlarges when they divide.

It is not mixed with staphylococcus because it has different shape that is cocci shaped.

Others are not applicable as if cells lose their cell wall then every cell will do same.