Question

A researcher synthesizes a new drug that specifically targets and degrades peptidoglycan. What type of infections could this drug treat?

Answer 1

Infections caused by bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pathogen may be defined as the organism that cause infection to the other organisms. Any fungi, bacteria, worms, virus and protozoan can acts as pathogen.

The synthesis of new drug is done by depending on the infections caused by the organisms. The drug targets the peptidoglycan layer, this means this drug is against the bacteria. Because the peptidoglycan layer present in bacteria only and inhibit its growth.

Answer 2

Bacterial infections

Step-by-step explanation:

Peptidoglycan also called as murein is a polymer which makes up the bacterial cell wall. It consists of sugars and amino acids. Sugar component is made of alternating NAM (N acetyl muramic acid) and NAG (N acetyl glucosamine) residues. A peptide of three to five amino acids is attached to NAM. The peptide chains often cross link with each other to form a strong mesh like structure.

If a drug degrades peptidoglycan structure, bacterial cell wall will not form. As a result it will not be able to survive and ultimately the infection will be cleared up. Example of such drugs are vancomycin, ramoplanin, bleomycin etc.