How B-lactam drugs work: Difference between revisions
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==How beta-lactam drugs work== | ==How beta-lactam drugs work== | ||
<StructureSection load='1CEG' size='340' side='right' caption='transpeptidase' scene=''> | <StructureSection load='1CEG' size='340' side='right' caption='D-alanyl-D-alanine carboxipeptidase transpeptidase complex with cephalothin (PDB code [[1ceg]])' scene=''> | ||
Beta-lactam drugs are a classic way of treating bacterial infections. Since bacteria have cell walls and people don't, drugs that target cell wall synthesis should have fewer side effects. Beta-lactam drugs include penicillin, which was discovered by 1928 by Alexander Fleming. He observed that colonies of Penicillium mold growing in his bacterial cultures created zones where bacteria couldn't grow.<ref>PMID:26243971</ref> He then isolated the specific compound that was responsible for this effect, penicillin. The term "beta lactam" refers to the four membered ring structure that is found in this class of antibiotics. [[Image:DalaDala_vs_penicillin.png|left|300 px]] | Beta-lactam drugs are a classic way of treating bacterial infections. Since bacteria have cell walls and people don't, drugs that target cell wall synthesis should have fewer side effects. Beta-lactam drugs include penicillin, which was discovered by 1928 by Alexander Fleming. He observed that colonies of Penicillium mold growing in his bacterial cultures created zones where bacteria couldn't grow.<ref>PMID:26243971</ref> He then isolated the specific compound that was responsible for this effect, penicillin. The term "beta lactam" refers to the four membered ring structure that is found in this class of antibiotics. [[Image:DalaDala_vs_penicillin.png|left|300 px]] | ||