noun
- a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria
Usage: biochemistry
Examples
- Peptidoglycan provides structural support to bacterial cell walls.
- Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan.
- Penicillin works by disrupting peptidoglycan synthesis.
- The peptidoglycan layer helps bacteria maintain their shape.
- Scientists study peptidoglycan to develop new antibiotics.
- Lysozyme breaks down peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls.