Final answer:
Bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics have different modes of action. Inhibitors of cell wall biosynthesis are bactericidal, while tetracyclines are bacteriostatic. The choice between the two depends on the type of infection and the patient's immune status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antibacterial drugs can be divided into two classes based on their mode of action: bacteriostatic and bactericidal. Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit the growth of bacteria, while bactericidal drugs kill bacteria. The choice between the two depends on the type of infection and the immune status of the patient. Bactericidal drugs are typically used for life-threatening infections or when a patient is immunocompromised.
Furthermore, different classes of antibiotics have different mechanisms of action. For example, inhibitors of cell wall biosynthesis, such as the beta-lactams, glycopeptides, and bacitracin, are bactericidal because they interfere with the synthesis of peptidoglycan, an essential component of bacterial cell walls. On the other hand, tetracyclines are bacteriostatic antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis by blocking the association of tRNAs with the ribosome during translation.
In conclusion, when selecting an antibiotic, it is important to consider the bacteriostatic or bactericidal nature of the drug, as well as the spectrum of activity and potential side effects. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics may be preferable to minimize damage to the normal microbiota, while broad-spectrum antibiotics may be necessary for polymicrobic infections or empiric therapy.