Explain the cell wall of bacteria.
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
Bacterial cell wall features:
- Location: Between glycocalyx (outermost) and plasma membrane (innermost)
- Composition: Peptidoglycan (murein/mucopeptide)
- Polymer of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM)
- Cross-linked by short peptide chains
- Properties:
- Rigid yet elastic
- Provides cell shape and structural support
- Prevents osmotic lysis in hypotonic environments
- Classification:
- Gram-positive: Thick peptidoglycan layer (20–80 nm)
- Gram-negative: Thin peptidoglycan layer (2–3 nm) + outer membrane
Clinical importance: Target for antibiotics (penicillin, vancomycin) that inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis.
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