Question

In the realm of medicinal chemistry and drug development, could you elaborate on the modifications made to quinolones that still retain an effect on DNA gyrase activity?

Answer 1

Quinolones can be modified to retain an effect on DNA gyrase activity. Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are examples of modified quinolones that selectively inhibit DNA gyrase and are effective against a wide range of bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

Quinolones are synthetic antimicrobial drugs that inhibit the activity of DNA gyrase, an enzyme necessary for DNA replication. Modifications made to the quinolone structure can still retain an effect on DNA gyrase activity. For example, the fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, are quinolone derivatives that have undergone chemical modifications. These modifications include the addition of a fluorine atom, which enhances their activity against DNA gyrase and increases their effectiveness against a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.