Bacterial cell wall and cell membrane (null)

The bacterial cell wall is a rigid, mesh-like structure composed primarily of peptidoglycan (a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid cross-linked by peptides), essential for maintaining cell shape, structural integrity, and protection against osmotic lysis. In Gram-positive bacteria, the wall is thick and includes teichoic acids; in Gram-negative bacteria, the wall is thinner and sandwiched between the inner plasma membrane and an outer membrane, which contains lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The bacterial cell membrane (cytoplasmic membrane) is a phospholipid bilayer containing a wide variety of proteins responsible for nutrient transport, energy generation, and signal transduction. Both structures are vital for bacterial viability and are prime targets for many antibiotic classes. Disrupting their synthesis or integrity leads to bacterial death or growth inhibition, forming the basis of a broad spectrum of antibacterial therapies.

Other names

Bacterial cell envelopeBacterial cell wallBacterial plasma membraneBacterial cytoplasmic membraneBacterial outer membrane

Inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis; Disruption of membrane integrity; Inhibition of specific membrane-associated enzymes