Chemical compound derived from or produced

by a living organism, or their structural analogs

obtained by synthesis, capable in small
concentration of inhibiting vital process of m.o.

If it kills m.o. the it is bactericidal, if just inhibit its

growth it is Bacteriostatic.
B-lactam ring [4-membered cyclic amide] =
Azetidinone

Penicillins are group of antibiotics that belongs to

the chemical class Beta lactams.

Each compound in the group has the beta lactam

ring in its structure.
Penicillin is an irreversible inhibitor of transpeptidase enzyme
which is responsible for Peptidoglycan cross linking in Cell wall,
reducing C.W rigidity --> increase water intake --> cell lysis --->
rapid and potent bactericidal.
They act on cell wall structure in bacteria which is absent in
human cells.
Penicillins considered amongst the safest drugs known to
medicine.
 •
•
•
• •
• •
•
•

•
•
•