Chapter 24, Problem 6TE

Would formulating a sulfa drug with $\text{PABA}$ be likely to increase or decrease its antibacterial properties?

To determine

Whether the antibacterial properties be increase or decrease when we mix sulfa drug with $\text{PABA}$.

Answer to Problem 6TE

There will be no formation of folic acid in case of sulfa drug. So, Para-aminobenzoic acid can decrease the effectiveness of certain antibiotics called sulfonamides.

Explanation of Solution

Folic acid is an essential amino acid for the growth of cell. Folic acid comes in our body in the form vitamins in food.Sulpha drug has chemical group called sulphamide.Sulpha drugs when used, it controls the reaction due to which no formation of folic acid takes place. Therefore, in the absence of folic acid bacteria are not able to develop or form their $\text{DNA}$ and $\text{RNA}$ . Para-amino benzoic acid is responsible for the folic acid synthesis in bacteria. Hence, Para-amino benzoic acid can hinder the effectiveness of the Sulpha drugs as a part of their antibacterial properties.

Conclusion:

Therefore, there will be no formation of folic acid in case of sulfa drug. So, Para-amino benzoic acid can decrease the effectiveness of certain antibiotics called sulfonamides.