Peptidoglycan is an important and specific component of the bacterial cell wall found on the outside of the cytoplasmic membrane of almost all bacteria. The side group contains a short peptide composed of four amino acids (Vollmer et al., 2008).

What does peptidoglycan consist of?

Peptidoglycan is the major structural polymer in most bacterial cell walls and consists of glycan chains of repeating N -acetylglucosamine and N -acetylmuramic acid residues cross-linked via peptide side chains. Peptidoglycan hydrolases are produced by many bacteria, bacteriophages and eukaryotes.

Is peptidoglycan a polypeptide?

Peptidoglycan or murein is a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria, forming the cell wall. ... Attached to the N-acetylmuramic acid is a peptide chain of three to five amino acids.