peptidoglükaanikihti

Peptidoglycan is a type of polysaccharide that forms a mesh-like structure in the cell walls of bacteria. It is composed of long chains of sugars cross-linked by short peptides, which are typically composed of amino acids D-alanine and N-acetylglucosamine. The structure of peptidoglycan varies among different bacterial species, but it is a fundamental component of the bacterial cell wall, providing strength and rigidity to the cell.

The synthesis of peptidoglycan occurs in the cytoplasm and is then transported to the cell membrane, where it is assembled into a continuous layer. This process is essential for bacterial cell growth and division. Peptidoglycan is also a target for many antibiotics, as it is not present in the cell walls of eukaryotic cells. Antibiotics that inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis, such as penicillin and cephalosporins, work by interfering with the cross-linking of sugars and peptides, leading to cell wall disruption and bacterial death.

In some bacterial species, peptidoglycan can be modified by the addition of side chains, such as teichoic acids or lipoteichoic acids, which can further contribute to the structural integrity and function of the cell wall. The presence and structure of peptidoglycan are important diagnostic tools in bacterial identification and classification.