What is the Difference Between Wall Teichoic Acid and Lipoteichoic Acid?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Wall teichoic acid (WTA) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) are both cell wall glycopolymers found in Gram-positive bacteria, but they differ in their structure and attachment methods.
Wall Teichoic Acid (WTA):
- Covalently bound to peptidoglycan
- Important for cell shape determination and regulation of cell division
- Play numerous roles in the cell, such as control of autolytic enzymes, regulation of divalent cations, attachment of surface proteins, or protection against antibacterial molecules
Lipoteichoic Acid (LTA):
- Anchored to the cell membrane via glycolipids
- Structurally similar to WTAs
- Functions in maintaining the structure of the cell wall
Both WTAs and LTAs provide structural support to the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria and have long chains of ribitol or glycerol. They are not found in Gram-negative bacteria.
Comparative Table: Wall Teichoic Acid vs Lipoteichoic Acid
Wall teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid are both cell wall glycopolymers found in Gram-positive bacteria, but they have distinct differences in their structure and function. Here is a table comparing the two:
Feature | Wall Teichoic Acid | Lipoteichoic Acid |
---|---|---|
Attachment | Covalently attached to peptidoglycan | Anchored in the cytoplasmic membrane by a lipid anchor |
Structure | Mainly fibers of glycerol phosphate or ribitol phosphate | Glycolipids |
Function | Control of autolytic enzymes, regulation of divalent cations, attachment of surface proteins, protection against antibacterial molecules | Provide structural integrity to the cell wall, maintain homeostasis, protect against environmental stresses |
Location | Cell wall fractions | Cell membrane fractions |
Discovery | Initially discovered in cell wall fractions of Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus | Identified in cell membrane fractions |
Both wall teichoic acids and lipoteichoic acids are important for maintaining the structure of the cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria and are not found in Gram-negative bacteria.
- Ribitol vs Glycerol Teichoic Acid
- Peptidoglycan vs MuramicAcid
- Linoleic Acid vs Linolenic Acid
- Arachidic Acid vs Arachidonic Acid
- Linoleic Acid vs Conjugated Linoleic Acid
- Lipoic Acid vs Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Alpha Lipoic Acid vs Alpha Linolenic Acid
- Cell Wall vs Cell Membrane
- Archaebacteria vs Eubacteria Cell Wall
- Lauric Acid vs Caprylic Acid
- Cell Wall vs Plasma Membrane
- Gram Positive vs Gram Negative Cell Wall
- Oleic Acid vs Elaidic Acid
- Phospholipids vs Sphingolipids
- Tartaric Acid vs Citric Acid
- Actinomyces vs Actinomycetes
- Palmitic Acid vs Palmitoleic Acid
- Glycolipids vs Phospholipids
- Lipid Rafts vs Caveolae