Peptidoglycan from Deinacoccus radiodurans was analyzed by high-performance
liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry: The monomeric subunit was: N-
acetylglucosamine-N-acetylmuramic acid-L-Ala-D-Glu(gamma)-L-Orn-[(delta)Gly
-Gly]-D-Ala-D-Ala. Cross-linkage was mediated by (Gly)(2) bridges, and glyc
an strands were terminated in (1-->6)anhydro-muramic acid residues. Structu
ral relations with the phylogenetically close Thermus thermophilus are disc
ussed.