Some antibacterial drugs interrupt lipid A biosynthesis. What types of bacteria would these drugs affect? Why?

Question

Bradyn Wang

Biology

8 February, 08:06

Some antibacterial drugs interrupt lipid A biosynthesis. What types of bacteria would these drugs affect? Why?

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Answers (1)

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Belinda Sellers · Answer 1

The interruption of Lipid A biosynthesis inhibits the growth of the Gram - negative bacteria.

Explanation:

Some bacteria which do not take up Gram staining are called Gram negative bacteria. Their cell wall which is the outermost layer is rich in fatty acid and carbohydrates and is called the Lipopolysaccharide or LPS layer. Lipid A is an essential component of this LPS layer forming approximately 75% of the layer. The LPS layer is essential for providing protection and giving structural stability to the bacterial cell. Antibiotics targeting synthesis of Lipid A will make the bacteria deficient in one of its essential structural components, that is, the LPS. This will result in the generation of defective progeny bacteria which would not be able to survive, hence causing their death.