Question

With the description of the different cell walls, membranes, and associated proteins set in the students' minds, you now need to introduce them to the idea that the cell wall can also act as a foundation to build things upon. Bacterial appendages require a strong foundation that will offer the support needed to move and function in a dynamic world. For example, flagella are long, whip like protein structures that are used by many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for locomotion. In order to function effectively, a flagellum must be firmly anchored to the cell wall. How will you be able to get across the idea that the peptidoglycan cell wall is strong enough to support such a mechanism?

Answer 1

Answer & Explanation:

Bacteria are really complex and developed organisms. As for flagella, this appendage allows them to move and some other features. This particular structure has an extremely structured anchorage in different parts of the cell's wall. It's assembled in the plasma membrane and later in the external membrane, which contains a thick coat of peptidoglycan. This molecule is extremely flexible but also strong, due to its numerous connections between the monomers. Bacteria don't have tissues so their protection restricted to their membrane. Therefore, this membrane must have enough strength and complexity so it can be protective and utterly functional.