Part A - Bacterial Cell Wall Peptidoglycan is a polymer of millions of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) sugars based on glucose molecules linked together in long chains cross-braced with four amino acids that link individual polymer chains together in a chain-link fence patter. Layers of cross-braced NAG and NAM sheets are stacked vertically and held together by proteins with lipid anchors attached to the cells cytoplasmic membrane to form a scaffold of sugars and proteins that is able to hold the bacterial cell's shape, even in response to extreme osmotic pressures. How would you expect a microbiology student to be able to describe the composition of peptidoglycan? What is the composition of the peptidoglycan layers found in the cell wall of bacteria? Pick the answer that lists the composition of the bacterial cell wall. View Available Hint(s) NAG and NAM short amino acid chains, NAG, NAM, and some lipid proteins, amino acids, NAG, and NAM
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Peptidoglycan, the heroic polymer that keeps bacterial cells robust, is a marvelous mix of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) sugars. These sugar components are linked in long chains that are fortified by short amino acid chains forming a splendid chain-link fencing structure. This arrangement not only maintains the cell’s shape but also makes it hearty enough to withstand intense osmotic pressures. Now, when it comes to the composition of the peptidoglycan layers, you've hit the jackpot! The combination you’re looking for consists of NAG and NAM, coupled with short amino acid chains interspersed throughout. This ensemble creates the tough and resilient architecture vital for bacterial survival in various environments.
