peptidoglycans
/ˌpɛpˌtaɪdoʊˈɡlaɪkənz/
noun
- Plural of peptidoglycan; multiple types or molecules of the substance that forms bacterial cell walls.
- Some enzymes can break down peptidoglycans, causing bacteria to die.
- Scientists compare the peptidoglycans of various bacterial species to understand their evolution.
- Different bacteria have peptidoglycans with slightly different chemical structures.