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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.

peptidoglycan: A macromoleculethat is a component of the cell wallof bacteria; it is not found in eukaryotes.Consisting of chains of aminosugars (N-acetylglucosamine and Nacetylmuramicacid) linked to atripeptide (of alanine, glutamic acid,and lysine or diaminopimelic acid), itconfers strength and shape to thecell wall.