Which statement best describes the mechanism of action of Benzylpenicillin?

Which statement best describes the mechanism of action of Benzylpenicillin?

• A. Inhibits RNA synthesis in bacteria
• B. Destroys bacterial DNA directly
• C. Causes cytolysis by inhibiting cell wall synthesis
• D. Increases bacterial resistance

Answer: (C)

The statement about Benzylpenicillin's mechanism of action being related to causing cytolysis by inhibiting cell wall synthesis accurately reflects its function as a beta-lactam antibiotic. Benzylpenicillin works by targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis, specifically by inhibiting the activity of transpeptidase enzymes that are crucial for cross-linking peptidoglycan layers in the cell wall. This inhibition weakens the cell wall structure, ultimately leading to cell lysis due to osmotic pressure. As the integrity of the cell wall is compromised, the bacteria cannot maintain their shape or viability, resulting in cell death. In contrast, other options do not accurately describe the mechanisms of action associated with Benzylpenicillin. For instance, inhibiting RNA synthesis or directly destroying bacterial DNA are mechanisms seen in other classes of antibiotics but do not apply to Benzylpenicillin. Similarly, increasing bacterial resistance does not describe a mechanism of action; rather, it refers to a potential consequence of improper antibiotic use or overuse.

The statement about Benzylpenicillin's mechanism of action being related to causing cytolysis by inhibiting cell wall synthesis accurately reflects its function as a beta-lactam antibiotic. Benzylpenicillin works by targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis, specifically by inhibiting the activity of transpeptidase enzymes that are crucial for cross-linking peptidoglycan layers in the cell wall. This inhibition weakens the cell wall structure, ultimately leading to cell lysis due to osmotic pressure. As the integrity of the cell wall is compromised, the bacteria cannot maintain their shape or viability, resulting in cell death.

In contrast, other options do not accurately describe the mechanisms of action associated with Benzylpenicillin. For instance, inhibiting RNA synthesis or directly destroying bacterial DNA are mechanisms seen in other classes of antibiotics but do not apply to Benzylpenicillin. Similarly, increasing bacterial resistance does not describe a mechanism of action; rather, it refers to a potential consequence of improper antibiotic use or overuse.