Explain the cellular functions that occur when antibiotics attack a bacteria cell.
Antibiotics target the cell wall, cell membrane, and the processes of protein and nucleic acids production in bacteria to rupture the cell.
Antibiotics create dormant resistant endospores to preserve the genetic material and rupture the cell.
Antibiotics target the cell wall and form a bridge-like connection to form conjugation.
Antibiotics use binary fission to grow twice its size, replicates its DNA, and split into two cells.
When antibiotics attack a bacteria cell, they target specific cellular functions to disrupt the bacteria's normal functioning and ultimately lead to its destruction. The cellular functions affected by antibiotics generally include:
1. Cell wall synthesis: Antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporins target the enzymes responsible for synthesizing and cross-linking the bacterial cell wall. By interfering with these processes, antibiotics weaken the cell wall and make the bacteria more susceptible to osmotic pressure, leading to cell lysis.
2. Cell membrane integrity: Some antibiotics, like polymyxins, disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. They interact with the lipids in the membrane, causing disruption and leakage of essential cellular components, ultimately leading to bacterial death.
3. Protein synthesis: Many antibiotics, such as tetracyclines or macrolides, target the bacterial ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis. By binding to specific sites on the ribosomes, antibiotics can interfere with the assembly of proteins, disrupt normal cellular processes, and inhibit bacterial growth.
4. Nucleic acid synthesis: Antibiotics like fluoroquinolones interfere with the bacterial DNA replication and transcription processes. They inhibit the action of specific enzymes, called DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV, which are vital for DNA unwinding, replication, and repair. By disrupting these processes, antibiotics hinder bacterial growth and replication.
5. Metabolic pathways: Some antibiotics indirectly affect bacterial cells by targeting essential metabolic pathways. For example, sulfonamides act by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme involved in the synthesis of folic acid, which is crucial for nucleic acid synthesis and cell division. By blocking folic acid production, sulfonamides impede bacterial growth and reproduction.
It is important to note that not all antibiotics target all these cellular functions. The specific mechanism of action of each antibiotic may vary and may be more specific to certain bacteria or bacterial species. Additionally, bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics through various mechanisms, which may hinder the effectiveness of treatment.