Elastic, flexible peptidoglycan and bacterial cell wall properties.
The peptidoglycan sacculus serves as a mechanical framework for the cell walls of most eubacteria and largely determines cell shape. The notion that the structure is a rigid shell is contradicted by findings that peptidoglycan can expand and contract. Thus, the sacculus functions as an elastic, flexible, polyionic, amphoteric, restraining network.
Doyle
R J
RJ
Dept of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, KY 40292.
Marquis
R E
RE
D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004548:Elasticity; D004563:Electrochemistry; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010457:Peptidoglycan / Q000378:metabolism*
D010457:Peptidoglycan