Multiple Choice
In most bacteria, the cell wall is primarily composed of which macromolecular structure?
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1. Overview of Cell Biology
Prokaryotic Cell Architecture
Multiple Choice
In the context of prokaryotic cell architecture, what cellular structure or process does penicillin primarily target in bacteria?
A
Ergosterol synthesis in the cytoplasmic membrane
B
DNA gyrase activity during DNA replication
C
Peptidoglycan cross-linking during cell wall synthesis (inhibition of transpeptidase/PBPs)
D
70S ribosomal function during translation
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the main target of penicillin in bacterial cells by understanding its mechanism of action.
Recall that penicillin interferes with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which is primarily composed of peptidoglycan.
Understand that penicillin inhibits the enzyme transpeptidase, also known as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycan strands.
Recognize that this inhibition weakens the cell wall, leading to cell lysis due to osmotic pressure.
Conclude that penicillin's primary target is the peptidoglycan cross-linking process during bacterial cell wall synthesis, not processes like ergosterol synthesis, DNA gyrase activity, or ribosomal function.
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