Question

what are the different ways antibiotics work against bacteria (hint: mode of action)? select all that are correct
□ inhibits protein synthesis, causing cell death
□ interferes with bacteria dna transcription and translation
□ inhibits growth of cell wall
□ disrupts cell membrane functions
□ inhibits synthesis of proteins, preventing growth

Explanation:

• Inhibits protein synthesis, causing cell death: Some antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides) inhibit ribosomes, stopping protein synthesis, which is vital for bacterial survival, leading to cell death.
• Interferes with bacteria DNA transcription and translation: Antibiotics can target processes like DNA replication, transcription (making RNA from DNA), or translation (making proteins from RNA), disrupting bacterial gene expression. For example, some inhibit RNA polymerase (transcription) or ribosomes (translation).
• Inhibits growth of cell wall: Beta - lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins) prevent the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls. Without a properly formed cell wall, bacteria (especially Gram - positive) can't maintain structure and lyse.
• Disrupts cell membrane functions: Some antibiotics (e.g., polymyxins) interact with bacterial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity. This causes leakage of cellular contents and cell death.
• Inhibits synthesis of proteins, preventing growth: By blocking protein synthesis (e.g., tetracyclines bind to ribosomes), bacteria can't make essential proteins for growth and replication, so growth is inhibited.

Answer:

• A. inhibits protein synthesis, causing cell death
• B. interferes with bacteria DNA transcription and translation
• C. inhibits growth of cell wall
• D. Disrupts cell membrane functions
• E. inhibits synthesis of proteins, preventing growth