Periplasmic Space.pptx

Periplasmic space

1. The Periplasm Between the inner (plasma) and outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria and spirochetes is a space called the  periplasm  or  periplasmic space  (See Figures 9 and 18). Actually, the peptidoglycan sheet resides within the periplasm. The periplasm is a very active compartment of the cell, containing enzymes for assembly of cell wall and membrane components, various degradative or detoxifying enzymes, secretion systems, sensing proteins for chemotaxis and signal transduction, and binding proteins for solutes taken up by BPDT transport systems.

2. Components of the periplasm are needed in this region of the cell and are bounded or "trapped" by the two membranes of the cell. In the case of spirochetes, their flagella (called endoflagella or periplasmic flagella) rotate within the periplasm and impart the flexing and screw-like rotation characteristic of spirochete motility.