Which of the following groups of antimicrobial drugs selectively targets bacterial cell wall synthesis?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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**Quiz on Antimicrobial Drugs and Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis**

**Question 11:**
Which of the following groups of antimicrobial drugs selectively targets bacterial cell wall synthesis?
- A) Quinolones
- B) Phenols
- C) Sulfonamides
- D) Beta-lactams *(Selected option)*
- E) Polymyxins

**Explanation**
Beta-lactam antibiotics are highly effective in targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making them a primary choice for treating bacterial infections. These drugs inhibit the formation of peptidoglycan cross-links in the bacterial cell wall, essential for cell wall strength and rigidity.

**Question 12:**
In general, why might cell-wall inhibiting antimicrobial drugs be less effective on gram-negative bacteria compared to gram-positive bacteria?
- A) The gram-negative bacteria digest these drugs at a much higher rate than gram-positive bacteria.
- B) The outer membrane of the gram-negative bacteria inhibits penetration of the drug.
- C) The mutation rate of gram-negative bacteria is much greater than that of gram-positive bacteria. *(Selected option)*
- D) The peptidoglycan found in gram-positive bacteria is structurally different from that in gram-negative bacteria.
- E) The gram-negative bacteria do not synthesize peptidoglycan.

**Explanation**
Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane that acts as a barrier, inhibiting the penetration of many antimicrobial drugs, including those targeting cell wall synthesis. This outer membrane can significantly reduce the effectiveness of these drugs by preventing them from reaching their target sites. This membrane is absent in gram-positive bacteria, making them more susceptible to cell wall-targeting antibiotics.

**Additional Note**
The statement at the beginning, "Human cells only synthesize peptidoglycan as a food source," is inaccurate, as human cells do not synthesize peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan synthesis is a characteristic unique to bacterial cells, which is why antibiotics targeting this process do not harm human cells.
Transcribed Image Text:**Quiz on Antimicrobial Drugs and Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis** **Question 11:** Which of the following groups of antimicrobial drugs selectively targets bacterial cell wall synthesis? - A) Quinolones - B) Phenols - C) Sulfonamides - D) Beta-lactams *(Selected option)* - E) Polymyxins **Explanation** Beta-lactam antibiotics are highly effective in targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making them a primary choice for treating bacterial infections. These drugs inhibit the formation of peptidoglycan cross-links in the bacterial cell wall, essential for cell wall strength and rigidity. **Question 12:** In general, why might cell-wall inhibiting antimicrobial drugs be less effective on gram-negative bacteria compared to gram-positive bacteria? - A) The gram-negative bacteria digest these drugs at a much higher rate than gram-positive bacteria. - B) The outer membrane of the gram-negative bacteria inhibits penetration of the drug. - C) The mutation rate of gram-negative bacteria is much greater than that of gram-positive bacteria. *(Selected option)* - D) The peptidoglycan found in gram-positive bacteria is structurally different from that in gram-negative bacteria. - E) The gram-negative bacteria do not synthesize peptidoglycan. **Explanation** Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane that acts as a barrier, inhibiting the penetration of many antimicrobial drugs, including those targeting cell wall synthesis. This outer membrane can significantly reduce the effectiveness of these drugs by preventing them from reaching their target sites. This membrane is absent in gram-positive bacteria, making them more susceptible to cell wall-targeting antibiotics. **Additional Note** The statement at the beginning, "Human cells only synthesize peptidoglycan as a food source," is inaccurate, as human cells do not synthesize peptidoglycan. Peptidoglycan synthesis is a characteristic unique to bacterial cells, which is why antibiotics targeting this process do not harm human cells.
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