Bacterial cytoplasmic and outer membranes (CM/OM)

The bacterial cytoplasmic and outer membranes are essential structural components that define the bacterial cell boundary and maintain physiological integrity. The cytoplasmic membrane is a phospholipid bilayer found in all bacteria, serving as a scaffold for energy production via the electron transport chain and the synthesis of cell wall components (Silhavy et al., 2010, PMID: 20435813). In Gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane provides an additional layer of protection, containing lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that act as a barrier against detergents and many antibiotic classes. These membranes are critical for bacterial survival, and their disruption leads to rapid loss of cellular homeostasis and death. Antibiotics such as polymyxins target the outer membrane by binding to LPS and subsequently permeabilizing the cytoplasmic membrane (Zavascki et al., 2007, PMID: 17303203). Other agents, like daptomycin, specifically target the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria, causing rapid depolarization and inhibition of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis (Humphries et al., 2013, PMID: 23413311).

Other names

Bacterial cell envelopeInner and outer membranesCytoplasmic membranePlasma membraneBacterial cell membrane

Disruption of membrane integrity, pore formation, depolarization of the membrane potential, and displacement of divalent cations from lipopolysaccharides.