Gram-negative cell walls are strong enough to withstand ;3 atm of turgor pressure (40), tough enough to endure extreme temperatures and pHs (e.g., Thiobacillus ferrooxidans grows at a pH of '1.5) and elastic enough to be capable of expanding several times their normal surface area (41). Strong, tough, and elastic . . . the gram-negative cell wall is a remarkable structure which protects the con...
