peptidoglycan metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving peptidoglycans, any of a class of glycoconjugates found only in bacterial cell walls and consisting of strands of glycosaminoglycan cross-linked by oligopeptides to form a huge and rigid network. [ISBN:0198506732, PMID:33139480]

Peptidoglycan metabolic process is a fundamental biological process that plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and survival of bacteria. This process involves the synthesis, assembly, and degradation of peptidoglycan, a complex polymer that forms the rigid cell wall of bacteria.

Peptidoglycan synthesis begins with the formation of lipid-linked precursors in the cytoplasm. These precursors are then transported across the cytoplasmic membrane to the periplasmic space, where they are assembled into linear glycan chains. The glycan chains are composed of alternating N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) residues. These chains are then cross-linked by peptide bridges, forming a strong and highly organized network.

The synthesis of peptidoglycan is a tightly regulated process that is essential for bacterial growth and division. The enzymes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis are often targets of antibiotics. For example, penicillin and other β-lactam antibiotics inhibit the transpeptidases that are responsible for cross-linking the peptidoglycan chains.

Peptidoglycan degradation is also important for bacterial survival. Bacteria use a variety of enzymes to break down peptidoglycan, such as lysozymes and autolysins. These enzymes are involved in processes such as cell division, cell wall remodeling, and bacterial lysis.

The peptidoglycan metabolic process is a complex and essential process for bacteria. Understanding this process is important for developing new antibacterial drugs and for studying the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.'
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