BENSON'S MICROBIO.APPL.:LAB..,CONC.
BENSON'S MICROBIO.APPL.:LAB..,CONC.
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781260110678
Author: Brown
Publisher: MCGRAW-HILL HIGHER EDUCATION
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 29, Problem 1SAQ
Summary Introduction

To explain: The functions of peptidoglycan in bacterial cells.

Introduction: The cell wall of the most bacterial cell is composed of an essential component known as peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan is a polymer containing alternate N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) and N-acetyl-muramic acid (NAM). NAG and NAM are linked by β (1-4) covalent bond.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

In bacterial cells, peptidoglycan provides structural strength and also counteracts the cytoplasm’s osmotic pressure. Each NAM of peptidoglycan consists of a short chain having four amino acids. These amino acids cross-link the adjoining polymers of the amino sugars and thereby form a sac surrounding the bacterial cell’s exterior or a lattice network. This provides rigidity and defines the cells’ shape (such as cocci, rod, or spiral).

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Text book image
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Text book image
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Text book image
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education
cell culture and growth media for Microbiology; Author: Scientist Cindy;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjnQ3peWRek;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY