Question

Dr. Paul Ehrlich observed that the differential stain developed by Dr. Gram suggested bacteria could be killed differentially by chemicals. He called these potential antibacterial agents "magic bullets". Which among the following cell features of bacteria are potential targets for Dr. Ehrlich’s "magic bullets" due to significant difference or absence from humans?
a. DNA
b. Glycocalyx
c. Cytoplasmic membrane
d. Ribosome
e. Cytoskeleton
f. Cell wall

Answer 1

Answer:

d. Ribosome

f. Cell wall

Explanation:

In humans 80s type of ribosome is present and in bacteria 70s type of ribosome is present. Human cells do not have cell wall while bacterial cells have peptidoglycan cell wall. These differences can be targeted by the potential antibacterial agents.

For example, tetracycline antibiotic inhibits the binding of important molecules to bacterial ribosome which ultimately inhibits the protein synthesis in bacteria. Vancomycin antibiotic on other hand inhibits the cell wall formation in bacteria by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis.