Periplasmic space

The periplasmic space is a cellular compartment between the cytoplasmic membrane and outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.

It surrounds the entire cell and can constitute up to 40 % of the total cell volume. The matrix fills the space is referred to as the periplasm. The periplasm is significantly different from the cytoplasm. It is a gel-like consistency and contains a high concentration of enzymes and binding and transport proteins that are involved in various biochemical processes (for example, in nutrient uptake, cell wall synthesis, secretion, movement, removal of toxic substances). The operations in the periplasm are therefore also responsible for the increased antibiotic resistance of some bacteria.

The periplasmic space also contains the cell wall, which in turn is formed by a -floating in the periplasm of murein network.

Recently there is evidence for the existence of a periplasmic space also in Gram- positive bacteria, however, have no outer membrane. Here is the periplasm between the cell membrane and the cell wall complex.