Question

What are teichoic acids?

Answer 1

Teichoic acids are bacterial copolymers of glycerol phosphate and carbohydrates linked via phospho diester bonds.

Explanation:

Teichoic acids are found within the cell wall of most Gram positive bacteria and appear to extend to the surface of the peptidoglycan layer .

The main function of teichoic acids is to provide rigidity to the cell wall by attracting cations such as magnesium and sodium. They also assist in regulation of cell growth by limiting the ability of auto lysine to break the beta (1-4) bond between the N - acetyl glucosamine and the N - acetyl muramic acid.