Question

The molecular structure of penicillin antibiotic is

• A. Macrocyclic lactone
• B. Glycoside linkage in amino sugar
• C. $\beta$-lactam ring
• D. Polyaena and nonpolyaene

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\beta$-lactam ring

Penicillin is obtained from Penicillium chrysogenum. Penicillin is a secondary metabolite of certain species of Penicillium and is produced when the growth of the fungus is inhibited by stress. Its structure contains β- lactam ring with a molecular structure of 339.4 g/mol. It was discovered by Alexander Fleming.

So, the correct answer is 'β- lactam ring'