Microbiology: Peeling Back the Layers of Bacterial Envelope Mechanics

The Gram-negative cell envelope has two important mechanical elements. Whereas the cell wall bears the brunt of the turgor pressure during normal growth, the outer membrane also provides necessary rigidity under physical stress. The Gram-negative cell envelope has two important mechanical elements. Whereas the cell wall bears the brunt of the turgor pressure during normal growth, the outer membrane also provides necessary rigidity under physical stress.