Question

List the major biological functions of proteoglycans and peptidoglycans.

Short answer

Proteoglycans are responsible for maintaining tissues’ structural integrity, whereas peptidoglycan is responsible for providing characteristic shape to the bacterial cell wall.

Step-by-step solution

Concept of proteoglycans and peptidoglycans.

Proteoglycans are glycosylated proteins that have high molecular weight. These are found in the extracellular matrix, intracellular structures, and plasma membrane of the cells.

Peptidoglycans are glycosylated aminoacid (N- acetylglucoseamine and N-acetylmuramic acids) that form a mesh-like structure through peptide bonds. They form the cell walls of many bacteria.

Major biological functions of proteoglycans.

The list of major biological functions of proteoglycans is mentioned below:

(i) They provide hydration to the tissues.

(ii) They serve the function of lubricants.

(iii) They provide swelling pressure that helps to withstand compressive forces.

Major biological functions of peptidoglycans.

The list of major biological functions of peptidoglycans is mentioned below:

(i) They help in safeguarding the cytoplasmic membrane and thereby identifying the form of the cell.

(ii) They help in counteracting the osmotic pressure of the cytoplasm.

(iii) They assist in binary fusion during cell reproduction.