answersLogoWhite

0

All antibiotics have the same goal. To kill bacterial (prokaryotic) cells while not harming human (Eukaryotic) cells. There are a few differences between the two cell types that can be targeted. Penicillin targets the peptidoglycan cell wall. Essentially it breaks down the cell wall and the cell dies because it can not control the osmotic pressure that it experiences. There are many antibiotics (beta lactam antibiotics) that still use this same mechanism to kill bacterial cells. A common example would be amoxicillin.

Another common target is protein synthesis. Cellular life requires proteins and lots of them. All proteins are constructed by ribosomes. The bacterial ribosome is a little bit different than eukaryotic ribosomes. Because of this difference it is possible to inhibit the function of the ribosome and kill bacterial cells, but not harm human cells. A common example of this type of drug is Azithromycin or a Z-pack.

Different antibiotics are chosen for different types of infections. Some are more invasive and require more potent antibiotics, some respond better to different antibiotics, and some are completely resistant to certain antibiotics. This is why doctors should submit specimens for a culture and sensitivity test. These take about 3-5 days to finish, but they provide the most accurate method for diagnosis and treatment.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How has the discovery of penicillin help us today?

fighting infections. Created antibiotics


How does Alexander Fleming affect your lives today?

Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin has had a profound impact on our lives today by revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections. Penicillin and other antibiotics derived from his work have saved countless lives and continue to be a cornerstone of modern medicine. Fleming's findings paved the way for the development of many other antibiotics that are essential in healthcare today.


Why is pencillin rarely used today?

Penicillin is rarely used today due to the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which have evolved to survive treatments that were once effective. Additionally, the development of newer antibiotics with broader efficacy and the ability to target specific infections has led to a decline in penicillin's use. Furthermore, some patients may be allergic to penicillin, limiting its applicability. As a result, healthcare providers often prefer alternative antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.


What is penicillin used for today?

The penicillin antibiotics are still used to treat bacterial infections, though due to their widespread use in history, many species of bacteria are now resistant, forcing doctors to use larget doses or different antibiotics to treat infections.


Comparisons between the Early church and the Church of today?

The early churches were strong and more steadfast in their beliefs.


Why is it safe for humans to use penicillin?

At the time of its discovering it was considered a wonder drug because it was the first antibiotic, that has saved lots of life. Penicillin has been the pioneer among antibiotics, which is still used today.


How do people react to the invention of penicillin today?

Today, people generally view the invention of penicillin as a groundbreaking advancement in medicine that revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. Many recognize its role in saving countless lives and shaping modern healthcare. However, there are also concerns about antibiotic resistance and the need for responsible use of antibiotics, highlighting a complex relationship with this life-saving drug. Overall, penicillin is celebrated as a pivotal discovery, while discussions about its implications continue.


Where were antibiotics made?

Antibiotics were first discovered in mold and bacteria found in nature. The first true antibiotic, penicillin, was derived from the Penicillium mold and discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Subsequent development and mass production of antibiotics took place in laboratories and pharmaceutical companies, particularly during World War II, to meet the increasing medical needs. Today, antibiotics are synthesized and produced in various facilities around the world.


What does penicillin prevent?

Penicillin antibiotics were among the first medications to be effective against many bacterial infections caused by staphylococci and streptococci.


What antibiotics did they use in World War 2?

They used Penicillin, Sulfanilamide (Sulfa), and Atabrine. I'm sure they used other Antibiotics, but these are the main three. (Atabrine was mainly used in the South Pacific). Soldiers carried Sulfa with them to prevent infections, Atabrine was used to stop malaria though it had a lot of negative side effects, and Penicillin was mas produced by the Pfizer company, and saved countless lives during WWII.


How does Alexander flemmings work of his scientist still used today?

Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin in 1928 revolutionized medicine and laid the foundation for modern antibiotics. His work demonstrated the potential of natural substances to combat bacterial infections, leading to the development of various antibiotic treatments still in use today. Penicillin's effectiveness has saved countless lives and paved the way for ongoing research in pharmacology and infectious disease management. The principles of Fleming's discovery continue to guide the search for new antibiotics and therapies in the fight against resistant bacteria.


How did the invention of Alexander Fleming made an impact on us today?

Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin in 1928 revolutionized medicine by introducing the era of antibiotics, which significantly reduced mortality rates from bacterial infections. This breakthrough paved the way for the development of various antibiotics, transforming treatments for diseases that were once life-threatening. Today, penicillin and its derivatives continue to be essential in modern healthcare, allowing for effective treatment of infections and contributing to increased life expectancy. Fleming's work also laid the foundation for ongoing research in pharmacology and the fight against antibiotic resistance.