Periplasm

Diagram of a Gram-positive cell wall structure

Diagram of a Gram-negative cell wall structure

RcsF signaling mechanism

Periplasm is a space located between the cell membrane and the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. This space is filled with a gel-like substance known as the periplasmic gel. The periplasmic space is an important site for many bacterial processes, including the degradation of large molecules and the transport of substances into and out of the cell.

Structure

The periplasm is bounded by the inner and outer membranes of the Gram-negative bacterial cell wall. The inner membrane, also known as the cytoplasmic or plasma membrane, is a phospholipid bilayer that separates the periplasm from the bacterial cytoplasm. The outer membrane is a complex structure that includes lipopolysaccharides, proteins, and phospholipids.

The periplasmic space is filled with a gel-like substance that contains water, proteins, and other molecules. This gel is more concentrated than the cytoplasm, and it provides a medium for the diffusion of molecules.

Function

The periplasm plays a crucial role in many bacterial processes. It is involved in the degradation of large molecules, such as proteins and polysaccharides, into smaller components that can be transported into the cell. The periplasm also contains proteins that are involved in the transport of substances into and out of the cell.

In addition, the periplasm plays a role in the protection of the bacterial cell. It contains enzymes that can degrade harmful substances, such as antibiotics, before they can reach the cytoplasm. The periplasm also contains proteins that are involved in the assembly and function of the bacterial cell wall.

See also

• Cell membrane
• Outer membrane
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Cell wall

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