1. Complex polymers found in bacterial cell walls, composed of polysaccharide chains cross-linked by peptide bridges; provide structural support and rigidity to bacterial cells.
Usage: technical; biology; microbiology; plural form of peptidoglycan

Examples

• Peptidoglycans are essential components of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial cell walls.
• The antibiotic penicillin works by disrupting the cross-linking of peptidoglycans in bacterial cells.
• Scientists study peptidoglycans to understand bacterial cell wall structure and develop new antibiotics.
• Peptidoglycans provide mechanical strength and protect bacteria from osmotic stress.
• The composition of peptidoglycans differs between bacterial species, affecting their susceptibility to certain drugs.