Question

Penicillin inhibits bacterial multiplication because it

• A. Checks RNA synthesis
• B. Checks DNA synthesis
• C. Destroys chromatin
• D. Inhibits cell wall formation

Answer 1

The correct option is D Inhibits cell wall formation

Penicillin belongs to the beta-lactam family of antibiotics, the members of which use a similar mechanism of action to inhibit bacterial cell growth that eventually kills the bacteria. Penicillin binds to the penicillin binding protien in cell wall of the bacterium and without a cell wall, a bacterial cell is vulnerable to outside water and molecular pressures, and quickly dies. Since human cells do not contain a cell wall, penicillin treatment results in bacterial cell death without affecting human cells.