2. 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.
3. • 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.