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Peptidoglycan structure and architecture

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Waldemar Vollmer

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Abstract

The peptidoglycan (murein) sacculus is a unique and essential structural element in the cell wall of most bacteria. Made of glycan strands cross-linked by short peptides, the sacculus forms a closed, bag-shaped structure surrounding the cytoplasmic membrane. There is a high diversity in the composition and sequence of the peptides in the peptidoglycan from different species. Furthermore, in several species examined, the fine structure of the peptidoglycan significantly varies with the growth conditions. Limited number of biophysical data on the thickness, elasticity and porosity of peptidoglycan are available. The different models for the architecture of peptidoglycan are discussed with respect to structural and physical parameters. © 2008 Federation of European Microbiological Societies.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Vollmer W, Blanot D, de Pedro MA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Year: 2008

Volume: 32

Issue: 2

Pages: 149-167

ISSN (print): 0168-6445

ISSN (electronic): 1574-6976

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6976.2007.00094.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2007.00094.x

PubMed id: 18194336

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