Question

Which one of the following drugs contains a \( \beta \)-lactam structure?

• A. Penicillin
• B. Sulphanilamide
• C. Erythromycin
• D. Chloramphenicol

Hint:

The \( \beta \)-lactam ring is characteristic of many antibiotics, particularly penicillins and cephalosporins. It is crucial to the action of these antibiotics in inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the \( \beta \)-lactam structure 
A \( \beta \)-lactam ring is a four-membered cyclic structure that contains a nitrogen atom and a carbonyl group. This ring is a key feature of several classes of antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. The \( \beta \)-lactam ring inhibits the bacterial enzyme responsible for synthesizing the cell wall, which is why these antibiotics are effective against bacteria. 
Step 2: Review of the given options
Penicillin: Penicillin is an antibiotic that contains a \( \beta \)-lactam ring. It is commonly used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria.
Sulphanilamide: Sulphanilamide is a type of sulfonamide drug, but it does not contain a \( \beta \)-lactam ring. Instead, it works by inhibiting bacterial folic acid synthesis.
Erythromycin: Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It does not contain a \( \beta \)-lactam ring. Instead, it inhibits protein synthesis in bacteria.
Chloramphenicol: Chloramphenicol is another antibiotic that does not contain a \( \beta \)-lactam ring. It also works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Step 3: Conclusion
The only drug in the list that contains a \( \beta \)-lactam ring is Penicillin. Thus, the correct answer is Penicillin.