The article reviews the mechanisms by which bacteria maintain their shape and grow, focusing on the role of peptidoglycan synthesis and hydrolysis. Peptidoglycan, a mesh-like structure surrounding the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, is crucial for maintaining cell shape and providing mechanical strength. The synthesis of peptidoglycan involves glycosyltransferases (GTases) and DD-transpeptidases (DD-TPases), which polymerize glycan chains and crosslink peptides, respectively. The cytoskeleton, including actin-like proteins like MreB and tubulin-like proteins like FtsZ, plays a key role in guiding peptidoglycan synthesis and cell division. MreB forms filaments that interact with peptidoglycan synthases, while FtsZ forms a dynamic ring at the midcell to guide septum formation. Peptidoglycan hydrolases, such as autolysins, are essential for cell division and separation, and their activity is regulated to prevent sacculus rupture. The article also discusses the role of D-amino acids in peptidoglycan remodeling and the coordination of peptidoglycan synthesis with other cellular processes. Overall, the interplay between peptidoglycan synthesis, hydrolysis, and the bacterial cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining bacterial shape and growth.The article reviews the mechanisms by which bacteria maintain their shape and grow, focusing on the role of peptidoglycan synthesis and hydrolysis. Peptidoglycan, a mesh-like structure surrounding the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, is crucial for maintaining cell shape and providing mechanical strength. The synthesis of peptidoglycan involves glycosyltransferases (GTases) and DD-transpeptidases (DD-TPases), which polymerize glycan chains and crosslink peptides, respectively. The cytoskeleton, including actin-like proteins like MreB and tubulin-like proteins like FtsZ, plays a key role in guiding peptidoglycan synthesis and cell division. MreB forms filaments that interact with peptidoglycan synthases, while FtsZ forms a dynamic ring at the midcell to guide septum formation. Peptidoglycan hydrolases, such as autolysins, are essential for cell division and separation, and their activity is regulated to prevent sacculus rupture. The article also discusses the role of D-amino acids in peptidoglycan remodeling and the coordination of peptidoglycan synthesis with other cellular processes. Overall, the interplay between peptidoglycan synthesis, hydrolysis, and the bacterial cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining bacterial shape and growth.