Question

Penicillin belongs to which class of antibiotics?

• A. Aminoglycosides
• B. Cephalosporins
• C. Beta-lactams
• D. Tetracyclines

Hint:

• \(\beta\)-lactam antibiotics are characterized by the presence of a \(\beta\)-lactam ring in their structure.
• Major groups of \(\beta\)-lactams: Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems, Monobactams.
• Mechanism of action: Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis (peptidoglycan synthesis).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Penicillin is classified under the class of antibiotics known as Beta-lactams. These antibiotics are characterized by their chemical structure, which includes a beta-lactam ring. Beta-lactam antibiotics work by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, which is essential for bacterial survival.

The classes of antibiotics provided in the question are:

• Aminoglycosides: These interfere with bacterial protein synthesis.
• Cephalosporins: Also a type of Beta-lactams, they are structurally related but distinct from penicillins, with broader spectrum activity.
• Beta-lactams: This class includes penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams, all containing the beta-lactam ring, targeting the bacterial cell wall.
• Tetracyclines: These inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome.

Since penicillin contains the beta-lactam ring and functions by disrupting the bacterial cell wall, it is grouped within the Beta-lactams class.