Peptidoglycan forms sheets that stiffen the cell walls of bacteria. How is the formation of sheets possible?
A) The polysaccharides in peptidoglycan are highly branched and form a network.
B) The glycosidic linkages between monosaccharides in peptidoglycan are extraordinarily strong.
C) Individual strands are joined by peptide bonds, a type of covalent bond.
D) The polysaccharides in peptidoglycan form helical structures, as in cellulose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Peptidoglycan forms sheets by the joining of individual strands via peptide bonds, which create a cross-linked network. This cross-linking creates a rigid and stable structure that gives strength to the bacterial cell wall. The polysaccharides in peptidoglycan are unbranched and do not form helical structures like cellulose. The glycosidic linkages between monosaccharides are not extraordinarily strong, but rather are susceptible to degradation by enzymes such as lysozyme.

Peptidoglycan Forms Sheets That Stiffen the Cell Walls of Bacteria