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 lead to the death of S. pyogenes. Penicillin will interfere with peptidoglycan synthesis, ultimately weakening the cell wall and leading to cellular lysis. Penicillin will disrupt the outer membrane, leading to a loss of structural integrity and death of \( S \). pyogenes. Penicillin will poke holes in the plasma membrane, weakening the clat and leading to cellular lysis.

Penicillin works its magic by targeting the bacterial cell wall, specifically by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan. Since S. pyogenes is a gram-positive bacterium, it relies on this sturdy cell wall for structural integrity. When penicillin interferes with the formation of peptidoglycan, the wall becomes weak and unable to withstand internal pressure, ultimately causing the bacteria to burst and die—a classic case of cellular lysis! This antibiotic strategy is quite brilliant! By putting pressure on the cell wall, penicillin effectively turns S. pyogenes into a balloon that's lost its air. Without a robust barrier, the bacteria cannot survive in their environment, and this is why penicillin is highly effective against infections like Shelly's. Remember—it's not about poking holes, but rather crippling the construction workers of the bacterial fortress!