Synthesis of Peptidoglycan: Action of Transpeptidase
The bacterial cell wall in the domain Bacteria is composed of a rigid, tight-knit molecular complex called peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan, also known as murein, is a vast polymer consisting of interlocking chains of identical peptidoglycan monomers. It functions to prevent bacterial osmotic lysis.
In order for bacteria to divide by binary fission and increase their size following division, links in the peptidoglycan must be broken, new peptidoglycan monomers must be inserted, and the peptide cross links must be resealed.
Transpeptidase enzymes
reform the peptide cross-links between the rows and layers of peptidoglycan
to make the wall strong.