Pseudopeptidoglycan

Pseudopeptidoglycan (also known as Pseudomurein) is a polymer that forms the cell wall of certain archaea, specifically the methanogenic archaea. Unlike peptidoglycan, which is found in the cell walls of bacteria, pseudopeptidoglycan is not susceptible to lysozyme, an enzyme that breaks down the cell walls of bacteria.

Structure

Pseudopeptidoglycan consists of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetyltalosaminuronic acid, linked by β-1,3-glycosidic bonds. This is in contrast to peptidoglycan, which consists of N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid, linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. The peptide chains in pseudopeptidoglycan are also different from those in peptidoglycan, consisting of L-amino acids rather than D-amino acids.

Function

The primary function of pseudopeptidoglycan is to provide structural support to the cell, protecting it from changes in osmotic pressure. It also plays a role in cell division, forming a septum that divides the cell into two daughter cells.

Clinical significance

While pseudopeptidoglycan is not directly involved in human disease, its resistance to lysozyme makes it of interest in the study of antibiotic resistance. Understanding the structure and function of pseudopeptidoglycan could potentially lead to the development of new antibiotics that are effective against methanogenic archaea.

See also

• Cell wall
• Archaea
• Peptidoglycan
• Lysozyme

Pseudopeptidoglycan Resources
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