Application

Peptidoglycans are major components of bacterial cell walls, especially of gram-positve bacteria. Peptidoglycan are composed of alternating residues of β-(1,4) linked N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid and peptide chains that create cross-linkage to create mesh structures. Peptidoglycans from different bacterial species can be compared to determine structural and compositional differences/variations and phylogenetic evolution. Peptidoglycans from different species may be used to differentiate and characterize peptidoglycan hydrolases.