Bacterial cytoplasmic membrane (CM) (CM)

The bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, also known as the inner membrane in Gram-negative bacteria, is a fundamental phospholipid bilayer that encloses the cytoplasm and regulates the internal environment of the cell (Wikipedia, 2023). It serves as the primary site for essential biological processes, including oxidative phosphorylation, nutrient transport, and the synthesis of cell wall precursors (NIH, 2022). Because it maintains the electrochemical gradient and osmotic balance, its structural integrity is vital for bacterial viability. In clinical medicine, this membrane is a critical target for several classes of potent antibiotics used to treat multi-drug resistant infections (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2019). Lipopeptides like daptomycin target the membrane of Gram-positive bacteria to cause rapid depolarization, while polymyxins disrupt the membrane of Gram-negative bacteria (PubMed, 2021). These interactions lead to the loss of the proton motive force and eventual cell death. Targeting the membrane is particularly effective because it often results in rapid bactericidal activity. However, it requires high selectivity to avoid damaging host cell membranes, which remains a primary challenge in drug development (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Bacterial inner membraneBacterial plasma membraneCytoplasmic membraneBacterial cell membrane

Disruption of membrane integrity, pore formation, and depolarization of the transmembrane potential, leading to the leakage of intracellular ions and the cessation of essential metabolic processes (PubMed, 2021; Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2019).