Antibiotics such as penicillin and vancomycin interfere with which of the following processes in bacteria?

• A. DNA replication
• B. ATP production in the cytoplasmic membrane
• C. Synthesis of peptidoglycan in the cell wall
• D. Protein synthesis at the ribosome

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the target process of the antibiotics mentioned: penicillin and vancomycin are known to interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis.
2. Understand that the bacterial cell wall is primarily composed of peptidoglycan, a polymer that provides structural strength to the cell wall.
3. Recall that penicillin and vancomycin inhibit enzymes involved in the synthesis of peptidoglycan, preventing proper cell wall formation.
4. Recognize that this inhibition leads to weakened cell walls, causing bacterial cells to lyse due to osmotic pressure.
5. Conclude that the correct process targeted by these antibiotics is the synthesis of peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall, not DNA replication, ATP production, or protein synthesis.