Cell wall structure in Gram negative bacteria

CELL WALL STRUCTURE IN GRAM NEGATIVE AREA
  • Gram negative bacteria have more complex cell wall compared to Gram positive bacteria. The main difference is the outer membrane. This membrane surrounds a thin layer of peptidoglycan. Gram negative bacteria are rich in lipids because of this membrane ( 11 – 22% of the dry weight of the cell wall).
  • Outer membrane is an impermeable barrier which prevents escape of important enzymes such as those involved in cell wall growth from the space between the cytoplasmic membrane and outer membrane. This space is called as periplasmic space.
  • Outer membrane is attached to the peptidoglycan by Braun’s lipoprotein. Outer membrane is a bilayer made of phospholipids, proteins and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS is toxic. It is also known as endotoxin. It is present in the outer layer of the membrane. LPS is made of Lipid A, core polysaccharide and polysaccharide O antigens.

Cell wall
Last modified: Saturday, 12 May 2012, 5:24 AM