beta-lactam antibiotic: A broad class of antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis, consisting of all antibiotic agents that contains a β-lactam nucleus in their molecular structures. This class of drugs inhibit the synthesis of cell walls in susceptible microbes by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis.
Then, what is bacterial cell wall synthesis?
The biosynthesis of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan is a complex process that involves enzyme reactions that take place in the cytoplasm (synthesis of the nucleotide precursors) and on the inner side (synthesis of lipid-linked intermediates) and outer side (polymerization reactions) of the cytoplasmic membrane.
How does penicillin interfere with cell wall synthesis?
Penicillins have been shown to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, and interact with penicillin binding proteins, leading to bacterial lysis. These two mechanisms, the former more than the latter are believed to be responsible for their therapeutic potential.
Where is peptidoglycan synthesized?
The peptidoglycan monomers are synthesized in the cytosol of the bacterium where they attach to a membrane carrier molecule called bactoprenol.
What are cell wall inhibitors?
A number of drugs inhibit cell wall synthesis. Most important are vancomycin, which targets monomer polymerization; and the β-lactams, e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins, which block polymer cross-linking. Autolysins punch holes in bacterial cell wall and disrupt its integrity.