Bacillus anthracis is unique to other bacteria. It is the only bacteria to possess which of the following
Virulent forms of B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, are more likely to be surrounded by a capsule. This capsule is a polypeptide, composed of a polymer of glutamic acid, and is a unique feature of B. anthracis. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS/endotoxin) are unique to gram-negative bacteria (B. anthracis is a gram-positive rod). In addition, whereas B. anthracis is associated with both teichoic acid (cell wall) and a potent exotoxin, these are not unique features of this bacterium. Other gram-positives (i.e., staphylococci) release exotoxins and have teichoic acid in their cell walls.
A polypeptide capsule
A polysaccharide capsule
An exotoxin
An endotoxin
Bacteriology