Final answer:
The agents that damage the bacterial cell wall by inhibiting its synthesis are Penicillin, Cephalosporins, and Vancomycin. These compounds are selectively toxic to bacteria and do not harm human cells as they do not possess cell walls.
Step-by-step explanation:
Agents that Damage the Cell Wall
The agents that damage the cell wall by blocking its synthesis or by digesting the cell wall include: a) Penicillin, Cephalosporins, Vancomycin b) Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Clindamycin c) Metronidazole, Rifampin, Isoniazid d) Fluconazole, Acyclovir, Amantadine. Among these options, Penicillin, Cephalosporins, and Vancomycin are known for their action against the bacterial cell wall.
Penicillin works by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing the walls to be defective and leading to the rupture of bacterial cells. Cephalosporins function similarly to penicillins and are effective against a broad range of bacteria. Vancomycin targets the peptide chains involved in cell wall precursor formation, preventing them from being incorporated into the peptidoglycan structure. These agents are selectively toxic to bacteria as human cells do not have cell walls.