Peptidoglycan

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-008614",
  "term": "Peptidoglycan",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A polymer forming a major structural component of the cell walls of most bacteria. The molecule is a heteropolymer of alternating N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid residues linked by beta-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds, with short peptide chains attached to the muramic acid. This cross-linked structure provides mechanical strength and rigidity to the bacterial cell, making it a target for antibiotics like penicillin.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "glycosaminoglycan"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1988, 60, 1389. 'Nomenclature of glycoproteins, glycopeptides and peptidoglycans (Recommendations 1985)' on page 1391 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198860091389)",
    "White Book, 2nd ed., p. 85 (https://iupac.qmul.ac.uk/bibliog/white.html)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/peptidoglycan/"
}