What is the Difference Between Peptidoglycan and MuramicAcid?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Peptidoglycan and muramic acid are both components found in the cell walls of many bacteria. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Structure: Peptidoglycan is a polymer comprising sugars and amino acids that form a complex mesh-like structure. It is also known as murein. Muramic acid, on the other hand, is a monomer and an amino sugar acid that occurs naturally as the N-acetylmuramic acid in peptidoglycan.
- Function: Peptidoglycan forms the cell walls of many bacteria, consisting of sugars and amino acids. These sugar and amino acids form a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria. Muramic acid is a component of peptidoglycan, making up the glycan backbone of the structure.
- Chemical Composition: The sugar component of peptidoglycan comprises interchanging residues of β-(1,4) linked N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid. Muramic acid is an ether of lactic acid and glucosamine, with its chemical formula being C9H17NO7 and a molar mass of 251.2.
In summary, peptidoglycan is a complex polymer that forms the cell walls of bacteria, while muramic acid is a monomeric amino sugar acid that is a component of peptidoglycan. Muramic acid contributes to the glycan backbone of the peptidoglycan structure, playing a crucial role in the overall function and stability of bacterial cell walls.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Peptidoglycan and MuramicAcid? Comparative Table: Peptidoglycan vs MuramicAcid
Comparative Table: Peptidoglycan vs MuramicAcid
Here is a table comparing the differences between peptidoglycan and muramic acid:
Feature | Peptidoglycan | Muramic Acid |
---|---|---|
Definition | Peptidoglycan is a polymer comprising sugars and amino acids that form a complex mesh-like structure, also known as murein. | Muramic acid is an amino sugar acid that occurs naturally as the N-acetylmuramic acid in peptidoglycan. |
Chemical Structure | Peptidoglycan consists of a glycan backbone of muramic acid and glucosamine (both N-acetylated), and peptide chains. | Muramic acid has the chemical formula C9H17NO7 and a molar mass of 251.2. |
Role | Peptidoglycan forms the cell walls of many bacteria and provides strength and mechanical rigidity to the cells. | Muramic acid is a component of peptidoglycan and plays a role in bacterial cell division and cell wall structure. |
Location | Peptidoglycan is found in the cell walls of bacteria, providing protection and maintaining cell shape. | Muramic acid is found in the peptidoglycan layer of the cell walls of many bacteria. |
In summary, peptidoglycan is a polymer that forms the cell walls of bacteria, while muramic acid is a component of peptidoglycan that contributes to its structure and function.
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