Drug Development and Penicillins Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the main aim of drug development for staphylococci?

  • To improve chemical stability for oral administration (correct)
  • To enhance resistance to antibiotic efflux pumps
  • To increase the effectiveness of the immune response
  • To decrease the range of activity against other bacteria
  • Which structural component is essential for the binding of penicillins?

  • Amide group (correct)
  • Hydroxyl group
  • Aromatic ring
  • Bicyclic system
  • What role does the b-lactam ring play in the mechanism of action of penicillins?

  • It facilitates the degradation of the bacterial cell wall
  • It covalently links to the enzyme’s active site leading to irreversible inhibition (correct)
  • It modifies the structure of the antibiotics to prevent bacterial resistance
  • It enhances the immune response against bacteria
  • Why is the bicyclic system important in the development of b-lactams?

    <p>It increases b-lactam ring strain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the variations possible in the structure of b-lactams?

    <p>Variations are restricted to the side chain (R) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What compounds are notably transformed by gastric acid in penicillins?

    <p>Penicilloic acids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enzyme is responsible for degrading penicillins?

    <p>Penicillinase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of oxacillin and its derivatives?

    <p>Less active than other penicillins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the side chains in penicillins is true?

    <p>Hydrophilic groups at the α-position increase activity against Gram-negative bacteria. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the pH level of gastric acid that affects the transformation of penicillins?

    <p>2 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure represents an ester group in the context of the provided content?

    <p>R-CO-OR (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the nature of R and R’ groups play in penicillin derivatives?

    <p>They affect absorption and plasma protein binding. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can penicilloic acid readily decarboxylate to form?

    <p>Penilloic acid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of increasing hydrophobicity in penicillin side chains?

    <p>Has little effect on Gram-positive activity but lowers Gram-negative activity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which functional group is associated with NH2OH in the context provided?

    <p>Hydroxamic acid (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factors contribute to the range of antibiotic activity?

    <p>Presence of b-lactamases and efflux mechanisms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The presence of which element in the structure contributes to the classification of a compound as thioester?

    <p>Sulfur (S) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are some antibiotics orally inactive?

    <p>They are broken down by stomach acid. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is formed from the reaction of penicillins with acidified sodium salts?

    <p>Penilloic acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bacteria are oxacillin and its derivatives primarily active against?

    <p>Staphylococcus aureus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Gram-negative species is NOT indicated as sensitive to carbenicillin?

    <p>Staphylococcus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of the prodrugs of ampicillin improves their efficacy?

    <p>Increased cell membrane permeability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the introduction of an ionized group in penicillins affect its activity?

    <p>It confers activity against Gram-negative bacilli. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of a compound like R-COOH?

    <p>It is a carboxylic acid. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the ester in the prodrugs of ampicillin?

    <p>To mask the polar carboxylic acid group (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What would be a likely effect of penicillinase on penicillins?

    <p>Degrade the antibiotic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following compounds acts as a prodrug for carbenicillin?

    <p>Carfecillin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the bulky penicillin nucleus play in the prodrug activation process?

    <p>It acts as a steric shield for the methyl ester. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes a characteristic of bacampicillin?

    <p>It is metabolised to yield the active free drug. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the hydrolysed product of the extended ester during drug metabolism?

    <p>It degrades and loses efficacy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Carbenicillin has broader activity against Gram-negative bacteria than which of the following antibiotics?

    <p>Ampicillin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the metabolism of methyl ester of ampicillin?

    <p>It remains unhydrolysed in the body. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What chemical group largely determines the classification of carbenicillin as a carboxypenicillin?

    <p>Carboxylic acid group (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason for the limited success of combinations involving β-lactamase-resistant and β-lactamase-sensitive penicillins?

    <p>Inability of β-lactamase-sensitive penicillins to penetrate cell walls (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does clavulanic acid play in the context of β-lactam combination therapy?

    <p>It acts as a mechanism-based inhibitor of β-lactamases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are free acids of most penicillins unsuitable for oral or parenteral administration?

    <p>They are not soluble in water. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are salts of penicillins combined with organic bases like benzathine primarily used for?

    <p>Providing effective blood levels over a prolonged period (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which classification of penicillins indicates that they have been modified from their natural state?

    <p>Semisynthetic penicillins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the acid resistance of most penicillins?

    <p>Most penicillins are weak acids with specific pKa values. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of penicillin is specifically known for being resistant to β-lactamases?

    <p>Semisynthetic penicillin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of spectrum of activity do penicillins have based on their classification?

    <p>Narrow, intermediate, broad, or extended spectrum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of penicillin regarding bacterial cell wall synthesis?

    <p>Inhibiting transpeptidase activity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure does penicillin mimic to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis?

    <p>D-Ala-D-Ala (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are Gram +ve bacteria more susceptible to penicillins compared to Gram -ve bacteria?

    <p>They lack a hydrophobic barrier (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do porins play in the resistance of Gram -ve bacteria to penicillins?

    <p>Preventing the action of penicillin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one characteristic of Gram -ve bacteria that contributes to their resistance to penicillin?

    <p>Presence of lactamase enzymes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural feature of penicillin makes it an effective inhibitor of bacterial cell wall synthesis?

    <p>Acyl side chain similar to D-Ala (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is 6-methylpenicillin considered inactive despite its structural similarity to penicillin?

    <p>It cannot bind to transpeptidase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the thickness of the cell wall impact the effectiveness of penicillin on Gram +ve bacteria?

    <p>Thicker walls do not form a barrier to penicillin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does penicillin act as an 'umbrella' inhibitor?

    <p>It irreversibly binds to bacterial enzymes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What composition of Gram -ve cell walls contributes to their overall resistance to penicillins?

    <p>Hydrophobic outer membrane (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the way penicillin affects bacteria?

    <p>Penicillin disrupts cell wall synthesis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor limiting the effectiveness of penicillin due to bacterial adaptation?

    <p>High levels of transpeptidase enzyme (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the peptidoglycan layer have in bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics?

    <p>Is the main target for penicillin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Penicillin Degradation

    Penicillins can break down due to gastric acid (low pH) and the enzyme penicillinase.

    Penicilloic Acid

    A key intermediate in the degradation of penicillin, formed when penicillin interacts with stomach acid.

    Penicilloate

    Acidified sodium salt of penicilloic acid.

    Decarboxylation

    The removal of a carboxyl group (COOH) from a molecule.

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    Penilloic Acid

    A product of penicilloate decarboxylation.

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    Penicillinase

    An enzyme that breaks down penicillin.

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    Gastric Acid

    Stomach acid with a low pH.

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    pH 2

    The approximate acidity of human gastric acid.

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    Microbial Enzyme

    Enzyme produced by microorganisms that affect penicillin.

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    Acid-mediated degradation

    Breakdown of penicillin caused by the interaction with the acidity of gastric acid.

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    Staphylococci drug development aim

    Improving chemical stability for oral use, resistance to bacterial enzymes (beta-lactamases), and expanded drug activity.

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    Penicillin's mechanism of action

    Penicillins block a bacterial enzyme (transpeptidase) crucial for building the bacterial cell wall, creating irreversible binding and stopping cell wall formation.

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    Key structure elements in Penicillins SAR

    Essential components for penicillin activity include the bicyclic system, amide, carboxyl group, and b-lactam ring, with specific spatial arrangements (cis for ring).

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    Penicillin drug binding concept

    The carboxyl group, acting as the carboxylate ion, binds strongly, triggering the chemical reaction with the enzyme and causing the irreversible impact.

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    Limited variations in penicillin structure

    Penicillin structure permits modest changes only in the side chain "R", while essential core parts remain primarily constant

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    Gram -ve bacteria

    Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining process, making them appear pink or red under a microscope.

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    Active vs. some penicillin G resistant strains

    Effective against some bacterial strains that are resistant to the natural penicillin G. These strains often possess modified enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis.

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    Acid sensitive

    Susceptible to degradation by acidic environments, such as the stomach.

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    Orally inactive

    Cannot be effectively absorbed through the digestive tract and thus must be administered by injection.

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    Oxacillin (and its derivatives)

    A type of penicillin with modifications that make it more resistant to breakdown by enzymes and better absorbed orally.

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    b-lactamases

    Enzymes produced by bacteria that can break down penicillin drugs, rendering them ineffective.

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    Effect of 'R' groups

    Changes in the structure of the side chain (represented by 'R' groups) can affect the penicillin's activity, absorption, and how tightly it binds to plasma proteins.

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    Hydrophobic groups and Gram +ve vs. -ve activity

    More hydrophobic groups on a penicillin generally lead to better activity against Gram-positive bacteria and worse activity against Gram-negative bacteria.

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    Penicillin's Target

    Penicillin targets the bacterial enzyme responsible for building the cell wall.

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    D-Ala-D-Ala

    A short chain of amino acids essential for the formation of the bacterial cell wall.

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    Penicillin Mimicry

    Penicillin structurally resembles D-Ala-D-Ala, allowing it to bind to the bacterial enzyme and block its function.

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    Transpeptidase Enzyme

    The enzyme responsible for linking D-Ala-D-Ala chains in bacteria to form the cell wall.

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    Blocked Cell Wall Synthesis

    Penicillin's binding to the transpeptidase enzyme prevents the formation of new cell wall, leading to bacterial death.

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    Porins in Gram -ve

    Protein channels in the outer membrane of Gram -ve bacteria that allow some molecules to pass through.

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    Lipopolysaccharide Barrier

    The outer membrane of Gram -ve bacteria is made of lipopolysaccharide, a complex molecule making it difficult for penicillin to reach its target.

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    High Enzyme Levels

    Bacteria may produce very high levels of the transpeptidase enzyme, which can overcome the inhibitory effect of penicillin.

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    Penicillin Resistance

    Bacteria's ability to survive the presence of penicillin due to factors like outer membrane barrier or enzyme activity.

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    'Umbrella' Inhibition

    Penicillin blocks the active site of the transpeptidase enzyme, preventing D-Ala-D-Ala molecules from binding, like an umbrella covering the entrance.

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    Acyl-D-Ala-D-Ala

    A molecule that is naturally involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, chemically similar to penicillin.

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    6-methylpenicillin Inactivity

    A slightly modified penicillin, 6-methylpenicillin, is inactive despite being structurally similar to penicillin.

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    Synergy

    The combined effect of two drugs is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

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    Penicillinase-resistant penicillin

    A type of penicillin that is not broken down by β-lactamase.

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    Depot forms

    Penicillin formulations designed for slow release, providing prolonged drug levels.

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    Amphoteric

    A substance that can act as both an acid and a base.

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    pKa value

    A measure of the acidity of a compound.

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    Penicillin classification

    Penicillins are grouped based on their source, chemical properties, activity, and clinical use.

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    Carbenicillin

    A penicillin derivative active against ampicillin-sensitive Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter.

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    Prodrugs

    Inactive drug forms that need to be metabolized into their active form within the body.

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    Pivampicillin

    A prodrug of ampicillin with an extended ester group, designed for oral administration.

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    Talampicillin

    A prodrug of ampicillin that undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis to release the active drug.

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    Bacampicillin

    A prodrug of ampicillin with an extended ester group that increases its bioavailability.

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    Esterase Enzyme

    Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of esters, breaking them down into active drugs.

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    Carboxypenicillins

    Penicillin derivatives with a carboxyl group at the alpha position, enhancing activity against Gram-negative bacteria.

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    Carfecillin

    A prodrug of carbenicillin, which is a carboxypenicillin with a phenyl group.

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    Increased Cell Membrane Permeability

    Prodrugs like pivampicillin and talampicillin can penetrate bacterial cell membranes better than ampicillin, enhancing their effectiveness.

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    Prodrug Activation

    The process by which prodrugs are converted into their active forms through enzymatic or chemical reactions.

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    Study Notes

    Antibiotics

    • Waksman proposed a definition of antibiotics in 1942 as substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit or destroy other microorganisms (bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, protozoa, or viruses).
    • Benedict and Langlykke defined antibiotics in 1947 as chemical compounds derived from living organisms that inhibit the life processes of microorganisms at low concentrations.
    • Modern antibiotics may include synthesized compounds.
    • Antibiotics are specific chemicals derived from living organisms or synthesized as structural analogs, inhibiting other microorganisms.

    Classification of Antibiotics

    • A substance is classified as an antibiotic if it fulfills four conditions:
      • It is a product of metabolism or duplicated from a chemical synthesis.
      • It is synthesized as a structural analog of an antibiotic.
      • It antagonizes the growth or survival of one or more species of microorganisms.
      • It is effective in low concentrations.

    Penicillins

    • Penicillins are antibacterial agents that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.
    • Discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928 from a fungal colony.
    • Isolated and purified by Florey, Chain, and Abraham at Oxford University (1938).
    • First successful clinical trial conducted in 1941.
    • Produced by large-scale fermentation (1944).
    • Chemical structure elucidated via X-ray crystallography (1945).
    • Full chemical synthesis developed by Sheehan in 1957.
    • Development of semi-synthetic penicillins (1958-60) along with the discovery of clavulanic acid and beta-lactamase inhibitors.

    Structure of Penicillins

    • The penam ring is composed of a cysteine and a valine residue.
    • The Beta-lactam ring and the thiazolidine ring are not coplanar but are folded, with an angle of 117°.
    • This non-planarity suppresses normal amide resonance.
    • The unshared electrons are far to interact with resonance.
    • The beta-lactam ring is highly reactive and unstable.

    Mechanism of Action

    • Penicillins inhibit the bacterial enzyme transpeptidase, crucial for bacterial cell wall synthesis.
    • Penicillins acylate bacterial D-transpeptidase, forming a covalent bond to the enzyme's active site, leading to irreversible inhibition.
    • The beta-lactam ring plays a key role in the inhibition mechanism.
    • Penicillin blocks the final cross-linking stage of cell wall synthesis by reacting with transpeptidase.

    Resistance to Penicillins

    • Gram-negative bacteria have an outer membrane that prevents penicillin access.
    • Penicillins can only cross the outer membrane via porins.
    • High levels of transpeptidases and the presence of beta-lactamases in the periplasmic space contribute to penicillin resistance.
    • Mutations and efflux mechanisms also contribute to resistance.

    Penicillin Analogues

    • Penicillin analogs are prepared through fermentation and total synthesis, with limited yields from total synthesis.
    • By varying the carboxylic acid in the fermentation medium and employing total synthesis.
    • Semi-synthetic procedures use naturally occurring structures as starting materials for analog synthesis.

    Problems with Penicillin G

    • Sensitivity to stomach acids.
    • Sensitivity to beta-lactamases.
    • Limited range of activity.

    Range of Activity

    • Hydrophobic side chains lead to high activity against Gram-positive bacteria and low activity against Gram-negative bacteria.
    • Hydrophilic side chains increase activity against Gram-negative bacteria.
    • Introduction of certain groups to increase activity and range.
    • Prodrugs like those formed for ampicillin have increased cell membrane permeability and polar carboxylic acid groups masked by ester groups, improving oral and parenteral activity, allowing longer action.

    Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors

    • The strategy of using beta-lactamase inhibitors in combination with beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillins, although promising, has been limited.
    • Factors that contribute to this failure include the lipophilic nature of penicillinase-resistant penicillins, the reversible binding to the beta-lactamase, the induction of beta-lactamases, and poor penetration.
    • Discovery of clavulanic acid (a naturally occurring inhibitor) has enabled renewed interest in penicillin combination therapies.

    Chemical Properties of Penicillins

    • Most penicillins are acidic with pKa values between 2.5 to 3.0.
    • The free acid form isn't suitable for oral administration.
    • The sodium and potassium salts are more soluble in water and readily absorbed through oral and parenteral administration.
    • Some salts of penicillins with organic bases, e.g., benzathine, procaine, and hydrabamine, have limited water solubility, acting as depot forms for long-term drug delivery.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on drug development specifically focused on staphylococci and the structural components essential for penicillin functionality. This quiz covers the mechanism of action, variations in b-lactams, and the chemistry of penicillin derivatives.

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