Multiple Choice
A high blood concentration of the enzyme creatine phosphokinase (CPK) usually indicates which of the following conditions?
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3. Energy & Cell Processes
Enzymes
4:53 minutesProblem 23
Textbook Question
Several antibiotics act by binding to certain essential enzymes in the target bacteria. How might these antibiotics influence the chemical reaction controlled by the enzyme?
What might be the effect on the bacteria? On the person taking the antibiotic prescription?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of enzymes in chemical reactions: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. In bacteria, essential enzymes are involved in processes like cell wall synthesis, DNA replication, and protein synthesis.
Analyze how antibiotics interact with bacterial enzymes: Many antibiotics work by binding to the active site or allosteric site of bacterial enzymes, preventing them from functioning properly. This inhibition disrupts the chemical reactions necessary for bacterial survival and reproduction.
Determine the effect on the bacteria: When the enzyme is inhibited, the bacteria cannot perform critical functions such as building their cell wall or synthesizing proteins. This leads to bacterial death or the inability to reproduce, effectively stopping the infection.
Consider the effect on the person taking the antibiotic: Antibiotics are designed to target bacterial enzymes specifically, minimizing harm to human cells. However, side effects may occur if the antibiotic affects beneficial bacteria in the body (e.g., gut microbiota) or if the person is allergic to the medication.
Evaluate the importance of proper antibiotic use: Misuse or overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve mechanisms to evade the effects of the drug. Patients should follow their prescription instructions carefully to ensure effective treatment and reduce the risk of resistance.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Enzyme Inhibition
Enzyme inhibition occurs when a molecule, such as an antibiotic, binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity. This can happen through competitive inhibition, where the inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site, or non-competitive inhibition, where the inhibitor binds elsewhere on the enzyme. By inhibiting essential enzymes, antibiotics disrupt the normal biochemical processes in bacteria, leading to their death or growth inhibition.
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Enzyme Inhibition
Mechanism of Action of Antibiotics
Antibiotics can target specific enzymes involved in critical bacterial processes, such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or DNA replication. For example, penicillin inhibits enzymes that help form the bacterial cell wall, causing the bacteria to burst. Understanding the mechanism of action is crucial for predicting the effectiveness of an antibiotic and the potential for resistance development.
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Impact on Human Microbiome
While antibiotics target bacteria, they can also affect the human microbiome, which consists of beneficial bacteria in the body. Disruption of these beneficial bacteria can lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal issues or opportunistic infections, like Clostridium difficile. Therefore, the effects of antibiotics extend beyond the targeted pathogens, impacting the overall health of the person taking the prescription.
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