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Multiple Choice
Which cellular structure is the primary target of penicillin in bacterial cells?
A
Plasma membrane
B
DNA gyrase
C
Peptidoglycan cell wall
D
Ribosomes
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the mechanism of action of penicillin: Penicillin is an antibiotic that interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Recall the structure of bacterial cells: Bacteria have a peptidoglycan cell wall that provides structural support and shape.
Identify the target of penicillin: Penicillin inhibits enzymes called transpeptidases (also known as penicillin-binding proteins) that are involved in cross-linking peptidoglycan strands.
Recognize that by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis, penicillin weakens the cell wall, leading to cell lysis due to osmotic pressure.
Conclude that the primary cellular structure targeted by penicillin is the peptidoglycan cell wall, not the plasma membrane, DNA gyrase, or ribosomes.