Question

Most medically used antibiotics interfere with either peptidoglycan synthesis or ribosome function. Why do you think the cytoplasmic (cell) membrane would be a POOR target for antibacterial medications?

Answer 1

The cytoplamic membrane of prokaryotes (bacteria) is structurally similar to that of eukaryotes (humans) i.e . both consist of a phospholipid bilayer. Therefore antibiotics that affect the prokaryotic cells will also adversely affect the eukaryotic cells as well. Therefore, the cytoplasmic membrane serves a poor target for antibacteria action. On the other hand, peptidoglycan is only present in prokaryotes and not in eukaryotes. The prokaryotes possess a 70S ribosome whereas the eukaryotes possess a 80 S ribosome.