Functions of Outer Membrane

Functions of Outer Membrane

Functions of Outer Membrane - Peptidoglycan forms a 'rigid' layer which contributes to the structural integrity of the cell.

The outer membrane proteins, which have a strong interaction with the peptidoglycan layer, also contribute to the maintenance of cellular structure.

The outer membrane acts as a diffusion barrier which permits molecules up 10 a particular size to penetrate (e. g. oligosaccharides up to 900 daltons in E. coli and S. typhimurium).

This penetration takes place through the channels formed by the matrix proteins.

Nutrients of higher molecular weight pass through the membrane through their own receptors.

Most outer membrane proteins serve as receptors for various nutrients, bacteriophages, and colicins.

It has been shown that many proteins can serve, as common receptors for various structurally unrelated substrates.

Thus the outer membrane Protein show poly functional binding.

Lipopolysaccharides also serve as receptors for many bacteriophages.

The lipopolysaccharides in the .Outer cell wall, more particularly the sugars of the 0 side chains, play an important role in determining somatic antigen specificity of gram negative bacteria.

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