GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY - T.P. Pyrog - 2004

5. STRUCTURE OF THE MICROBIAL CELL

5.1. CELL WALLS OF MICROORGANISMS

The Cell wall is one of the most critical structural elements. Its primary function is to protect The Cell contents from EXTERNAL FACTORS AND maintain the characteristic shape of the Organism. The cell wall accounts for 10 to 50% of the dry cell mass. In Bacteria, the thickness of the cell wall reaches 10-80 nm. As the organism ages, the cell wall becomes thinner. The Surface structures of the cell wall determine the interaction between the cell and its external environment.



Last update: 12/08/2026

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