Question

Some antibacterial drugs interrupt lipid A biosynthesis. What types of bacteria would these drugs affect? Why?

Answer 1

Answer:

The interruption of Lipid A biosynthesis inhibits the growth of the Gram- negative bacteria.

Explanation:

• Some bacteria which do not take up Gram staining are called Gram negative bacteria.
• Their cell wall which is the outermost layer is rich in fatty acid and carbohydrates and is called the Lipopolysaccharide or LPS layer.
• Lipid A is an essential component of this LPS layer forming approximately 75% of the layer.
• The LPS layer is essential for providing protection and giving structural stability to the bacterial cell.
• Antibiotics targeting synthesis of Lipid A will make the bacteria deficient in one of its essential structural components, that is, the LPS.
• This will result in the generation of defective progeny bacteria which would not be able to survive, hence causing their death.