Part3 Chapter04

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the structure and function of bacterial cell walls, as discussed in the lecture.

Cell Wall

A protective outer layer of bacteria that distinguishes them from animal cells.

Peptidoglycan

The polymer that makes up the cell wall of bacteria, consisting of sugars and amino acids.

Pathogenicity

The ability of bacteria to cause disease.

Gram Positive Bacteria

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer, highly susceptible to penicillin.

Gram Negative Bacteria

Bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer and an additional outer membrane, less susceptible to penicillin.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

A component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria that can contribute to virulence.

Antibiotic

A substance used to kill bacteria or inhibit their growth.

Penicillin

An antibiotic that weakens bacterial cell walls by disrupting peptidoglycan cross-linking.

Glycocalyx

A gelatinous surface layer found in some bacteria, contributing to pathogenesis and protection.

Mycoplasma

A genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall and have a lipid-rich plasma membrane.

Acid-Fast Cell Wall

A type of bacterial cell wall that is resistant to staining and is rich in lipids.

Disaccharide

A sugar made up of two monosaccharides, used in the structure of peptidoglycan.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell where cellular processes occur.

Ribosome

A cellular structure responsible for protein synthesis, present in bacteria.

Gram Staining

A method used to classify bacteria based on the properties of their cell walls.