Final answer:
Cephalosporins kill bacteria by blocking the transpeptidase activity of penicillin-binding proteins, and their ß-lactam ring structure makes them resistant to ß-lactamases. They have a broader spectrum of activity compared to penicillin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cephalosporins kill bacteria by blocking the transpeptidase activity of penicillin-binding proteins, which are enzymes involved in cell wall biosynthesis. Their ß-lactam ring structure makes them similar to penicillins, but the six-member ring in cephalosporins increases their resistance to ß-lactamases, enzymes that can inactivate antibiotics. Cephalosporins have a broader spectrum of activity compared to penicillin, being effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Learn more about Cephalosporins and bacterial cell wall synthesis