Bacterial Phospholipid Bilayer

The phospholipid bilayer is the fundamental structural component of the bacterial cell (cytoplasmic) membrane. It forms a continuous, dynamic barrier that encloses the cytoplasm and separates it from the external environment. This bilayer is composed primarily of amphipathic phospholipid molecules, which have hydrophilic phosphate-containing head groups and hydrophobic fatty acid tails. It acts as a selective barrier, a scaffold for enzymes, hosts regulatory proteins, and can contain specialized domains. Due to its critical role in viability, it is often a target for antibiotics.

Other names

Bacterial Cell MembraneCytoplasmic Membrane (Bacteria)

Disruption of membrane integrity, leading to cell death