Penicillin is an example of which therapeutic category?

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Multiple Choice

Penicillin is an example of which therapeutic category?

Explanation:
Penicillin works by targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis, a feature not present in human cells. It inhibits penicillin-binding proteins and the transpeptidation step that cross-links peptidoglycan, weakening the cell wall. Without a proper cell wall, susceptible bacteria lyse and die, so penicillin is classified as an antibiotic. Antimetabolites disrupt nucleotide synthesis or metabolic pathways in cells, which penicillin does not do. Alkylating agents damage DNA through alkylation, not cell-wall synthesis. Antivirals target viruses or viral replication, which is unrelated to penicillin’s bacterial mechanism.

Penicillin works by targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis, a feature not present in human cells. It inhibits penicillin-binding proteins and the transpeptidation step that cross-links peptidoglycan, weakening the cell wall. Without a proper cell wall, susceptible bacteria lyse and die, so penicillin is classified as an antibiotic.

Antimetabolites disrupt nucleotide synthesis or metabolic pathways in cells, which penicillin does not do. Alkylating agents damage DNA through alkylation, not cell-wall synthesis. Antivirals target viruses or viral replication, which is unrelated to penicillin’s bacterial mechanism.

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