How Does the Cell Membrane of Bacteria Differ from Eukaryotes?

💡 The Answer

• Bacterial membranes typically lack cholesterol but may contain hopanoids to stabilize the bilayer.
• Many bacteria have a cell wall outside the membrane, which is absent in animal cells.
• Bacterial membranes are the site of electron transport and ATP synthesis, unlike in eukaryotes where mitochondria handle this.
• Some bacteria have membrane-derived outer membranes (Gram-negative) that provide additional protection.