kaksoisvaipallinen

Kaksoisvaipallinen, meaning "double-shelled" in Finnish, refers to a biological structure found in some organisms, most notably in certain types of bacteria. This term describes a cell envelope that consists of two distinct layers, typically an inner membrane and an outer membrane, separated by a periplasmic space.

The inner membrane is a typical phospholipid bilayer that regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The periplasmic space, located between the inner and outer membranes, is a gel-like region containing various proteins involved in transport, enzyme activity, and cell wall synthesis. The outer membrane, present only in some bacteria, is a unique barrier that provides additional protection and acts as a sieve, controlling the entry of larger molecules.

This double-shelled structure is a defining characteristic of Gram-negative bacteria. The presence and composition of the outer membrane significantly influence the bacterium's interaction with its environment, including its susceptibility to antibiotics and its ability to cause disease. Understanding the kaksoisvaipallinen structure is crucial in microbiology for identifying bacteria and developing targeted treatments.