Question

The antimicrobial activity of vancomycin is due to the _________.

• A. inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis
• B. damage to the cytoplasmic membrane
• C. inhibition of cell wall synthesis
• D. regulation of DNA supercoiling

Hint:

Vancomycin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, which is essential for the survival of bacteria.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding vancomycin's action.
Vancomycin is an antibiotic that specifically inhibits the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. This action is crucial because the cell wall is necessary for the stability and integrity of bacterial cells, and its inhibition leads to bacterial cell lysis.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Incorrect, as vancomycin does not inhibit nucleic acid synthesis.
- (B) Incorrect, as vancomycin primarily targets the cell wall and does not cause damage to the cytoplasmic membrane.
- (C) Correct, vancomycin inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to the precursors involved in the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of the bacterial cell wall.
- (D) Incorrect, vancomycin does not regulate DNA supercoiling.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (C) inhibition of cell wall synthesis.