Many of today’s antibacterial drugs work by interfering with the growth of cell walls, why do these drugs tend to have little toxic effect on humans?
I believe human and animal cells do not have cell walls but get a second opinion. I'm no biochemist.
The reason why antibacterial drugs that target cell walls tend to have little toxic effect on humans is because the cell walls of bacteria differ significantly from those of human cells.
To understand this difference, let me explain how bacterial and human cells differ in terms of their cell wall structure:
1. Bacterial cell walls: Many types of bacteria have a rigid cell wall, which provides them with structural support and protection. The cell wall of bacteria is primarily composed of peptidoglycan, a unique polymer that is absent in human cells. Antibacterial drugs like penicillin, cephalosporins, and vancomycin target peptidoglycan synthesis, disrupt the cell wall formation, and weaken or destroy the bacteria.
2. Human cell walls: Unlike bacteria, human cells do not have a peptidoglycan cell wall. Instead, our cells are surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane, which is critical for maintaining cell integrity, controlling exchange of substances, and supporting various cellular processes. Antibacterial drugs that target cell walls are specific to the unique structure and synthesis pathways of bacterial peptidoglycan and thus have minimal impact on human cell membranes.
Therefore, when humans are treated with antibacterial drugs that interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis, these drugs largely spare human cells and have little toxic effect. This specificity is what allows us to selectively target bacterial infections without harming our own cells.
It's worth noting that despite this selectivity, some antibacterial drugs may still cause side effects in humans. These side effects are usually not directly related to the interference with cell walls but could stem from other mechanisms of action or individual sensitivities. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific medications or potential side effects.