Question

what are the different ways antibiotics work against bacteria (hint: mode of action)? select all that are correct
□ inhibits protein synthesis, causing cell death
□ interferes with bacteria dna transcription and translation
□ inhibits growth of cell wall
□ disrupts cell membrane functions
□ inhibits synthesis of proteins, preventing growth

Explanation:

• Inhibits protein synthesis, causing cell death: Many antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides) inhibit bacterial ribosomes, stopping protein synthesis, which leads to cell death.
• Interferes with bacteria DNA transcription and translation: Some antibiotics affect nucleic acid synthesis/expression (e.g., quinolones for DNA replication, rifampin for transcription), impacting translation too.
• Inhibits growth of cell wall: Beta - lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins) prevent bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis.
• Disrupts cell membrane functions: Some antibiotics (e.g., polymyxins) target bacterial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity and function.
• Inhibits synthesis of proteins, preventing growth: Protein synthesis inhibition (e.g., tetracyclines) stops bacterial growth as proteins are essential for metabolic processes.

Answer:

• A. inhibits protein synthesis, causing cell death
• B. interferes with bacteria DNA transcription and translation
• C. inhibits growth of cell wall
• D. Disrupts cell membrane functions
• E. inhibits synthesis of proteins, preventing growth