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Tag: Cell wall synthesis

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What is the main function of penicillin?

4 min read
During World War II, the introduction of penicillin caused the death rate from bacterial pneumonia in soldiers to drop from 18% to less than 1% [1.14.2]. So, what is the main function of penicillin that makes it so effective? It is a potent antibiotic that kills bacteria [1.2.2].

How does cefoxitin inhibit the growth of bacteria?

5 min read
Cefoxitin is a bactericidal agent that works by disrupting the formation of a bacterium's cell wall. A beta-lactam antibiotic, cefoxitin achieves its inhibitory effect by targeting and inactivating the essential enzymes responsible for building this protective outer layer.

How does Vanco work?: Understanding a Critical Antibiotic's Mechanism

4 min read
Originally derived from a soil-dwelling bacterium in the 1950s, vancomycin has since become a frontline defense against some of the most serious bacterial infections, including methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA). The powerful effect of this glycopeptide antibiotic is tied to its unique strategy for inhibiting bacterial growth, a crucial detail for understanding how does Vanco work.

What is the MOA of penicillin?

4 min read
Since its discovery in 1928, penicillin has saved millions of lives [1.7.3]. **What is the MOA of penicillin?** This antibiotic works by interfering with the construction of the bacterial cell wall, a structure essential for the bacteria's survival [1.2.5, 1.3.3].

What is the action of Principen? Understanding Ampicillin's Antibacterial Mechanism

4 min read
As a member of the penicillin family of antibiotics, Principen (ampicillin) is a bactericidal agent that works by disrupting the structural integrity of bacterial cells. Its primary mode of action is to interfere with the final stages of bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death. This makes Principen a powerful tool for treating infections caused by a wide range of susceptible bacteria, but it is ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu.