Bacterial Cell Membrane

The bacterial cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer that encloses the cytoplasm of bacterial cells. It is responsible for regulating the transport of molecules into and out of the cell, generating energy through the electron transport chain, and synthesizing cell wall precursors. It is a major target for antibiotics due to its essential role in bacterial survival and its compositional differences from eukaryotic cell membranes. Examples of components are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and cardiolipin. The membrane also includes proteins that function as transporters, enzymes, and receptors. Some bacteria contain hopanoids which are sterol-like molecules.

Other names

Plasma Membrane (Bacterial)Cytoplasmic Membrane (Bacterial)

Disruption of membrane integrity/function