| HOW IT WORKS |
| -THERE ARE different mechanisms of action for anitbiotics. Each antibiotic is placed into groups dependant on how it works against bacteria. -PENICLLIN is placed in the B-lactam antibiotic group=Interferes with the synthesis of peptidoglycan (in the cell wall of bacteria). -THE B-LACTAM RING preforms the function for the antibiotic. It inhibits the peptidoglycan, used for support. It does not alter anything else about the bacteria. -A PRESSURE will build up inside the bacteria as the other cell components continue functioning normally. -THIS PRESSURE will eventually cause the cell membrane to collapse. The cell content will leak out and the bacteria will die. -HUMAN CELLS do not have cell walls, therefore they are not affected by these antibiotics. Penicllin is therefore an ideal form of medication. |