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Questions and Answers
Who discovered penicillin?
Who discovered penicillin?
What is the main mechanism of action of penicillin?
What is the main mechanism of action of penicillin?
What type of antibiotics are penicillins and cephalosporins classified as?
What type of antibiotics are penicillins and cephalosporins classified as?
What is a key difference between cephalosporins and penicillins?
What is a key difference between cephalosporins and penicillins?
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What is the name of the fungus from which cephalosporins were developed?
What is the name of the fungus from which cephalosporins were developed?
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In what year was the first generation of cephalosporins introduced?
In what year was the first generation of cephalosporins introduced?
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Study Notes
Penicillin
Discovery
- Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928
- Found that mold Penicillium notatum inhibited bacterial growth
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis
- Binds to penicillin-binding proteins, inhibiting transpeptidase activity
- Causes bacterial cell lysis and death
Classification
- Beta-lactam antibiotics
- Divided into:
- Natural penicillins (penicillin G, penicillin V)
- Semi-synthetic penicillins (ampicillin, amoxicillin)
- Extended-spectrum penicillins (piperacillin, ticarcillin)
Cephalosporin
Discovery
- Developed from Cephalosporium acremonium fungus
- First generation introduced in 1948
Mechanism of Action
- Similar to penicillin, inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis
- Binds to penicillin-binding proteins, inhibiting transpeptidase activity
- Causes bacterial cell lysis and death
Classification
- Beta-lactam antibiotics
- Divided into:
- First generation (cephalothin, cephalexin)
- Second generation (cefuroxime, cefaclor)
- Third generation (cefotaxime, ceftazidime)
- Fourth generation (cefepime)
- Fifth generation (ceftaroline)
Key Differences
- Cephalosporins have a wider spectrum of activity than penicillins
- Cephalosporins are more resistant to beta-lactamase enzymes
- Cephalosporins have a longer half-life than penicillins
Penicillin
Discovery
- Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928
- Found that mold Penicillium notatum inhibited bacterial growth
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins
- Prevents transpeptidase activity, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death
Classification
- Beta-lactam antibiotics
- Classified into natural, semi-synthetic, and extended-spectrum penicillins
- Examples include penicillin G, penicillin V, ampicillin, and amoxicillin
Cephalosporin
Discovery
- Developed from Cephalosporium acremonium fungus
- First generation introduced in 1948
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins
- Prevents transpeptidase activity, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death
Classification
- Beta-lactam antibiotics
- Classified into five generations, each with a broader spectrum of activity
- Examples include cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and cefepime
Key Differences
- Cephalosporins have a broader spectrum of activity than penicillins
- Cephalosporins are more resistant to beta-lactamase enzymes
- Cephalosporins have a longer half-life than penicillins
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Description
Learn about the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, its mechanism of action, and classification into different types of beta-lactam antibiotics.
