Penicillin G is a natural antibiotic that is useful for treating infections caused by Gram positive bacteria. What is the functional benefit of the semi-synthetic antimicrobials carbenicillin and ampicillin, generated by chemical modification of the R group so their R groups each are a bit different than the R group seen with penicillin G?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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Penicillin G is a natural antibiotic that is useful for treating infections caused by Gram positive bacteria. What is the functional benefit of the semi-synthetic antimicrobials carbenicillin and ampicillin, generated by chemical modification of the R group so their R groups each are a bit different than the R group seen with penicillin G?

The image illustrates the basic structure of a β-lactam antibiotic. The central feature is the β-lactam ring, a four-membered lactam structure, which is critical for the antibiotic's functionality.

- **β-Lactam Ring**: Highlighted as a key component, this ring is essential for the antibiotic's mechanism of action, typically inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.
  
- **Attached Groups**:
  - **R Group**: Represents a variable side chain that can differ among β-lactam antibiotics, affecting their spectrum of action and pharmacokinetic properties.
  - **Thiazolidine Ring**: Contains a sulfur atom (S) linked to two methyl groups (CH₃) and a carboxylate group (COO⁻). This structure is characteristic of penicillins.

This structure serves as the backbone of several β-lactam antibiotic classes, including penicillins and cephalosporins.
Transcribed Image Text:The image illustrates the basic structure of a β-lactam antibiotic. The central feature is the β-lactam ring, a four-membered lactam structure, which is critical for the antibiotic's functionality. - **β-Lactam Ring**: Highlighted as a key component, this ring is essential for the antibiotic's mechanism of action, typically inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. - **Attached Groups**: - **R Group**: Represents a variable side chain that can differ among β-lactam antibiotics, affecting their spectrum of action and pharmacokinetic properties. - **Thiazolidine Ring**: Contains a sulfur atom (S) linked to two methyl groups (CH₃) and a carboxylate group (COO⁻). This structure is characteristic of penicillins. This structure serves as the backbone of several β-lactam antibiotic classes, including penicillins and cephalosporins.
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