Question

Penicillin contains which core ring system?

• A. Thiazole ring
• B. \(\beta\)-lactam ring
• C. Imidazole ring
• D. Pyridine ring

Hint:

Penicillins and cephalosporins are \(\beta\)-lactam antibiotics because they contain a \(\beta\)-lactam ring.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Penicillins are important antibacterial drugs. Their antibacterial activity depends on a specific ring system.

Step 1: Structure of penicillin.
Penicillin contains a \(\beta\)-lactam ring fused with a thiazolidine ring.

Step 2: Importance of \(\beta\)-lactam ring.
The \(\beta\)-lactam ring is responsible for inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Step 3: Mechanism.
Penicillin inhibits transpeptidase enzyme, which is required for cross-linking of peptidoglycan in bacterial cell wall.

Step 4: Checking other options.
Thiazole, imidazole, and pyridine rings are not the core ring responsible for penicillin activity.
The key core ring system is \(\beta\)-lactam.

Step 5: Final answer.
Therefore, penicillin contains \(\beta\)-lactam ring. \[ \boxed{\beta\text{-lactam ring}} \]