Feature of Gram-Negative Cell Wall
Some significant aspects of the Gram-negative cell wall, which is a distinguishing trait of some species of bacteria, include:
- Thin peptidoglycan layer: In comparison to Gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria have a thinner peptidoglycan layer. The periplasmic space, which is the area between the outer and inner membranes, is where the peptidoglycan layer is found.
- Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and proteins make up the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. This outer membrane serves as a defense against harmful environmental elements and hinders the entry of antimicrobial agents into the bacterial cell.
- Lipopolysaccharides (LPS): Lipid A, core polysaccharide, and O-antigen make up the LPS layer of the outer membrane. The host immune system recognizes lipid A as an endotoxin and it might result in fever, inflammation, and other infection-related symptoms.
- Porins: The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria contains porins, which are proteins that form channels that allow the flow of tiny molecules, such as nutrients, into the cell.
Difference Between Gram Positive and Gram Negative Cell Wall
Cell walls of gram-positive bacteria are thick and predominantly made of peptidoglycan. In the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria, long chains of sugars and amino acids make up the complex chemical known as peptidoglycan, which supports the bacterial cell wall structurally. Whereas, Gram-negative bacteria have a multilayered cell wall that is a complex construction. The outer membrane, of Gram-negative bacteria, is composed of proteins and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which is the outermost layer.