The Prokaryotic Cell Surface
Cell wall: solid structure around cell membrane, protecting the cell and giving cell shape
Bacteria cell wall: contains peptidoglycan (network of carbohydrates and peptides); unique to bacteria!
Gram-positive bacteria: lots of peptidoglycan, thicker cell wall; stain purple with Gram’s iodine
Gram-negative bacteria: less peptidoglycan; do not retain purple colored stain
Archaea lack peptidoglycan in cell wall and contain different lipids