Final answer:
Penicillin, tetracycline, and doxycycline are antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. Tetracyclines, like doxycycline, bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit and are effective against a wide range of bacterial infections but have certain side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Penicillin, tetracycline, and doxycycline are all examples of antibiotics. These drugs are used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting various aspects of bacterial protein synthesis. Penicillin is known for its effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria, but about 5% of the population is allergic to it, possibly resulting in severe reactions. Tetracyclines, including doxycycline, function by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit and preventing tRNA from associating with the ribosome, thus halting the protein production essential for bacterial survival.
These antibiotics were originally derived from soil bacteria like Streptomyces, but over time, semisynthetic derivatives have been created. Tetracyclines have a broad spectrum of activity and can treat various infections, although side effects such as phototoxicity, tooth discoloration, and potential liver toxicity in certain situations may limit their use.