What is a common feature of gram positive bacteria?

A common feature of gram-positive bacteria is the presence of a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall. This structure is a crucial characteristic that differentiates gram-positive bacteria from gram-negative bacteria. The thick peptidoglycan layer provides structural support and helps the bacteria retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, which gives them their characteristic purple color under a microscope.

In contrast, gram-negative bacteria have a much thinner peptidoglycan layer that is situated between an inner cell membrane and an outer membrane. The absence of a cell wall is not a feature of gram-positive bacteria; rather, all bacteria generally possess some form of cell wall. Lastly, the presence of an outer membrane is specific to gram-negative bacteria and is not a feature of gram-positive types. This distinct structure of gram-positive bacteria makes them more susceptible to certain antibiotics that target the cell wall, which is another crucial aspect of their biology.