The cell walls of some eukaryotic cells—such as plants, fungi, algae, and certain protists—provide structural stability and protection from environmental stresses like desiccation, changes in osmotic pressure, and traumatic injury. The chemical composition of these walls varies: plants use cellulose; fungi use chitin; and algae and protists can utilize biogenic silica, calcium carbonate, agar, or carrageenan.

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The cell wall is a structure found in most prokaryotes and some eukaryotes that envelopes the cell membrane. Working in combination with cytoskeletal elements, the cell wall maintains the cell's morphology and protects it from changes in osmotic pressure.

Cell Wall

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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The cell wall cannot be observed through light microscopy or simple stains. It may be demonstrated by microdissection, reaction with specific antibodies, mechanical rupture of the cell, differential staining procedures or by electron microscopy.

Viewing the Cell Wall

The cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan, a mucopeptide (formed by N acetyl glucosamine & N acetyl muramic acid) linked to peptide chains. Teichoic acids are embedded into the cell wall and may be linked to lipids (Lipoteichoic acid). These Lipotechoic acids connect peptidoglycan to the cytoplasmic membrane and gives the cell wall its rigidity. 

Composition of the Cell Wall

Gram Positive vs. Gram Negative Bacteria

Peptidoglycan, also referred to as murein, is the major component of bacterial cell walls and is uniquely found in bacteria. Structurally, it resembles a fabric-like meshwork layer composed of long chains of alternating N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) molecules. These chains possess significant two-dimensional tensile strength because peptide bridges connect the NAG and NAM units within each peptidoglycan layer.

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