TEICHOIC ACIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Teichoic acids are a class of complex biomolecules found in the cell walls of certain bacteria, particularly gram-positive bacteria. They are an essential component of the bacterial cell envelope and play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the cell wall.
These acids are long, repeating chains of sugar molecules called glycerol or ribitol, which are connected by phosphate groups. They are typically covalently attached to the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall, forming a network that intertwines with the peptidoglycan. Teichoic acids can be classified into two main types based on their location within the cell envelope: lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), which are anchored in the cell membrane, and wall teichoic acids (WTAs), which are attached to the peptidoglycan layer.
Teichoic acids contribute to the overall negative charge of the bacterial cell surface due to the presence of phosphate groups. This negative charge helps bacteria to repel certain substances, including harmful molecules, toxins, and some antibiotics, preventing them from entering the cell. Additionally, teichoic acids also provide stability and rigidity to the bacterial cell wall, as well as facilitate the attachment of bacteriophages and certain proteins to the cell surface.
Overall, teichoic acids are essential components of the bacterial cell envelope, contributing to the structural integrity, surface charge, and functionality of gram-positive bacteria. Their presence and characteristics have significant implications in various bacterial processes, including pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and immune recognition.
Common Misspellings for TEICHOIC ACIDS
- reichoic acids
- feichoic acids
- geichoic acids
- yeichoic acids
- 6eichoic acids
- 5eichoic acids
- twichoic acids
- tsichoic acids
- tdichoic acids
- trichoic acids
- t4ichoic acids
- t3ichoic acids
- teuchoic acids
- tejchoic acids
- tekchoic acids
- teochoic acids
- te9choic acids
- te8choic acids
- teixhoic acids
- teivhoic acids
Etymology of TEICHOIC ACIDS
The word "teichoic acids" is derived from the Greek word "teichos" meaning "wall" and the suffix "-ic" indicating that it is an acid. Teichoic acids were initially discovered in the cell walls of bacteria and were named as such because they play a role in the structure and integrity of the bacterial cell wall.
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