What are the features of a gram-positive cell wall?
Posted February 22, 2024
Answer
A Gram-positive cell wall has the following features:
- In electron micrographs, a Gram-positive cell wall appears as a thick, dense wall with a thickness of about 20 nm – 80 nm.
- The Gram-positive cell wall contains a large amount of peptidoglycan, which makes up about 40% to 80% of the dry weight of the cell wall. The peptidoglycan is present as numerous interconnecting layers. It provides the cell with structural support and protection against the elements.
- Teichoic and teichuronic acids are interwoven in the Gram-positive cell wall. They play a role in preserving cell structure, antibiotic resistance, and cell division.
- There is no outer membrane outside of the peptidoglycan layer. Instead, the peptidoglycan layer is covered by a layer of lipids and proteins.
- A gelatinous material known as the periplasm lies between the peptidoglycan and the cytoplasmic membrane.
- The cell wall stains purple when treated with Gram Stain.
- The thick peptidoglycan layer is more vulnerable to attack by drugs such as penicillin and cephalosporins.
Additional resources
MycoLight™ Rapid Fluorescence Gram-Positive Bacteria Staining Kit