DRAW IT Show where the following antibiotics work: ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, streptomycin, vancomycin, polymyxin B, sulfanilamide, rifampin, erythromycin.
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Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the target site of each antibiotic within the bacterial cell.
2. Ciprofloxacin inhibits DNA gyrase, affecting DNA replication.
3. Tetracycline binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis.
4. Streptomycin also targets the 30S ribosomal subunit, disrupting protein synthesis.
5. Vancomycin inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to D-Ala-D-Ala termini of peptidoglycan precursors.

Key Concepts

Mechanism of Action of Antibiotics

Antibiotics work by targeting specific bacterial processes or structures. For instance, ciprofloxacin inhibits DNA gyrase, disrupting DNA replication, while tetracycline interferes with protein synthesis by binding to the ribosome. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for determining how each antibiotic affects bacterial growth and survival.

Bacterial Cell Structure

The structure of bacterial cells is fundamental to understanding how antibiotics function. Key components include the cell wall, cell membrane, and ribosomes. For example, vancomycin targets the cell wall, while polymyxin B disrupts the cell membrane, highlighting the importance of cell structure in antibiotic action.

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of drugs that once killed them or inhibited their growth. This can result from genetic mutations or the acquisition of resistance genes. Knowledge of resistance mechanisms is essential for understanding the limitations of antibiotics like rifampin and erythromycin in treating infections.