Antibiotics: An Overview

Karl Drlica & David S. Perlin

 

Antibiotics Are Selective Poisons

Antibiotics are relatively small molecules (about 20 to 100 times the size of a water molecule) that interfere with normal life processes of microbes and viruses. Human cells differ enough from pathogens for antibiotics to act selectively. For example, our cells lack walls whereas bacterial cells have them. Consequently, penicillin, which blocks cell wall synthesis, is specific to bacteria. Penicillin has adverse effects, but they arise from other properties. (Some people are allergic to the drug.)

Three general aspects of antibiotics are important when considering effectiveness. First, some antibiotics only block growth (static compounds), whereas others ...

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