Questions: Select all that apply Which of the following antibiotics affect the integrity of the cell wall of bacteria, thereby making them susceptible to lysis? Tetracycline Cephalosporin Penicillin Erythromycin

The antibiotics that affect the integrity of the cell wall of bacteria, thereby making them susceptible to lysis, are:

• Cephalosporin
• Penicillin

Explanation for each option:

1. Tetracycline: This antibiotic works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome. It does not affect the cell wall. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

2. Cephalosporin: This class of antibiotics interferes with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall by inhibiting the enzyme transpeptidase, which is crucial for cross-linking the peptidoglycan layers. This weakens the cell wall and makes the bacteria susceptible to lysis. Therefore, this option is correct.

3. Penicillin: Penicillin also targets the bacterial cell wall by inhibiting the enzyme transpeptidase, which is involved in the final stages of peptidoglycan synthesis. This leads to a weakened cell wall and eventual lysis of the bacteria. Therefore, this option is correct.

4. Erythromycin: This antibiotic belongs to the macrolide class and works by inhibiting protein synthesis. It binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing the translocation of peptides. It does not affect the cell wall. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Summary: The antibiotics that affect the integrity of the cell wall of bacteria are Cephalosporin and Penicillin.