Question

Which of the following would you expect penicillin, an antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis, to be most effective?

a. Against viruses
b. Against gram-positive bacteria
c. Against gram-negative bacteria
d. Against fungi

Answer 1

Penicillin is most effective against gram-positive bacteria, which have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall. It inhibits cell wall synthesis, making it effective in treating various infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

Penicillin, an antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis, is most effective against gram-positive bacteria. The penicillins were the first antibiotics discovered and are effective in the treatment of diphtheria, gonorrhea, pneumonia, syphilis, pus infections, and certain types of boils. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which penicillin specifically targets.