Question

Penicillin acts by inhibiting _______

• A. Protein synthesis
• B. Cell wall synthesis
• C. DNA replication
• D. Folic acid synthesis

Hint:

Penicillin and cephalosporins are \(\beta\)-lactam antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Penicillin is a \(\beta\)-lactam antibiotic.

Step 1: Bacteria have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan.

Step 2: Penicillin inhibits transpeptidase enzymes.

Step 3: These enzymes are required for cross-linking of peptidoglycan.

Step 4: When cell wall synthesis is blocked, bacteria become weak and die.

Step 5: Therefore, penicillin acts by inhibiting cell wall synthesis. \[ \boxed{\text{Cell wall synthesis}} \]