Penicillins work by destroying this part of the bacterial cell.

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Prepare for the Anti-infective Medications Test with comprehensive multiple-choice questions and explanations. Dive into study materials and enhance your understanding to succeed in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Penicillins work by destroying this part of the bacterial cell.

Explanation:
Penicillins disrupt bacterial growth by targeting the cell wall. They bind to penicillin-binding proteins that normally cross-link peptidoglycan strands, which is essential for strengthening the wall during growth. When this cross-linking is blocked, the cell wall becomes weak, osmotic pressure causes the wall to rupture, and the bacterium dies. The nucleus isn’t present in bacteria, so it isn’t a target; the cytoplasmic membrane isn’t the primary site affected by penicillins, and ribosomes are the targets of other antibiotic classes. Thus, the structure most directly destroyed by penicillins is the cell wall.

Penicillins disrupt bacterial growth by targeting the cell wall. They bind to penicillin-binding proteins that normally cross-link peptidoglycan strands, which is essential for strengthening the wall during growth. When this cross-linking is blocked, the cell wall becomes weak, osmotic pressure causes the wall to rupture, and the bacterium dies. The nucleus isn’t present in bacteria, so it isn’t a target; the cytoplasmic membrane isn’t the primary site affected by penicillins, and ribosomes are the targets of other antibiotic classes. Thus, the structure most directly destroyed by penicillins is the cell wall.

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