Final answer:
The two broad-spectrum penicillins are ampicillin and amoxicillin, which are part of the ß-lactam antibiotic family. They have a broader range of activity against bacteria compared to natural penicillins due to the addition of amino and hydroxyl groups to their structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two broad-spectrum penicillins are ampicillin and amoxicillin. These antibiotics are part of the larger ß-lactam antibiotic family. Ampicillin and amoxicillin have been developed to have increased activity against a broader range of bacteria, especially some gram-negative pathogens, compared to the natural penicillins like penicillin G. This has been achieved by adding an amino group to the core penicillin structure in ampicillin and by adding both an amino group and a hydroxyl group in amoxicillin, which also improves its oral absorption.
The penicillins, including the broad-spectrum ones, function by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria by targeting penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are essential enzymes for bacterial cell wall construction. These drugs are different from narrow-spectrum penicillins, which are more limited in their effectiveness against a range of bacteria.
ß-Lactam antibiotics, like penicillins and cephalosporins, are critical in treating various bacterial infections. Furthermore, cephalosporins, with their structurally diverse R groups and a different fused ring compared to penicillins, are known for their increased resistance to ß-lactamase enzymes and their broad therapeutic applications.