The cell wall is a defining feature of bacteria, and is composed of various molecules that give the cell structure and protection. However, some bacteria have an atypical cell wall, which means that it differs from the more common cell wall structures. Understanding these atypical cell walls can help us gain insight into the biology of these bacteria and how they interact with their environment. Here are two types of bacteria that have an atypical cell wall:
Mycoplasmas
Mycoplasmas are a group of bacteria that lack a cell wall, meaning they are surrounded only by a cell membrane. This makes them significantly different from most bacteria, as the cell wall is often used as a protective barrier. Without this protection, mycoplasmas are often susceptible to antibiotics and other drugs that target the cell wall. Mycoplasmas have also been found to be able to survive in extreme environments, such as high temperatures and low pH.
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Gram-negative bacteria are a group of bacteria that have an atypical cell wall structure. Gram-negative bacteria have two membranes, the outer membrane and the inner membrane. The outer membrane contains lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are molecules that give the bacteria their characteristic negative charge. This outer membrane is also relatively permeable, meaning that it can easily let molecules enter or exit the cell. The inner membrane is much less permeable, and is often responsible for the transport of molecules across the cell. Gram-negative bacteria are often resistant to many antibiotics, due to the presence of the outer membrane.