What Is the Function of the Peptidoglycan

Peptidoglycan is the basic unit of the cell wall in bacteria, which confers mechanical rigidity to the cell, protects the cytoplasmic membrane and determines the cell form. In Gram-positive bacteria, a thick coat of peptidoglycan combined with teichoic acid constitutes the basic structure of the cell wall.

What is the main function of peptidoglycan quizlet?

What is the main function of peptidoglycan? Protecting against osmotic stress.

What is the role of peptidoglycan in Gram staining?

Because of the peptidoglycan layer. The thickened peptidoglycan layer in Gram positive cells allows them to retain the stain (hence remaining ‘stain positive’ or ‘Gram positive) where as the thin layer seen in Gram negative cells cannot prevent the stain from leeching out (hence stain and Gram negative).