Part D How will the prescribed penicillin kill S. pyogenes that is causing Shelly's infection? View Available Hint(s) Penicillin will attach to bacterial ribosomes and inhibit protein synthesis, which will le Penicillin will interfere with peptidoglycan synthesis, ultimately weakening the cell wa Penicillin will disrupt the outer membrane, leading to a loss of structural integrity and Penicillin will poke holes in the plasma membrane, weakening the chat and leading to Submit
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Penicillin targets the bacterial cell wall, specifically inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a vital component that provides structural integrity to the bacterial cell. By binding to penicillin-binding proteins, it disrupts the process of building the cell wall, leading to a weakened cell wall that ultimately causes the bacteria to burst due to osmotic pressure differences. This particular action of penicillin is especially effective against Gram-positive bacteria like S. pyogenes, which possess a thick peptidoglycan layer. As the cell wall weakens, the bacteria cannot maintain their shape and structural integrity, making them more susceptible to the body's immune response and ultimately leading to their destruction.