Question

Peptidoglycan compound in bacteria is

• A. Acetyglucosamine
• B. Acetylmuramic acid
• C. Alternating chains of both of the above
• D. Chain of only acetylmuramic acid

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Alternating chains of both of the above

Peptidoglycan, also known as murein, is a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids, that forms a mesh like layer outside the plasma membrane of all bacteria, forming the cell wall. The sugar component consists of alternating residues of - (1,4) linked N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid. Attached to the N - acetylmuramic acid is a peptide chain of three to five amino acids. The peptide chain can be cross linked to the peptide chain of another strand forming the 3D mesh like layer.