Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
They either destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria.
If antibiotics destroy the bacteria, it is bactericidal.
If it slows down the growth of bacteria, it is bacteriostatic.
Within the cell membrane of bacteria, there is the cytoplasm.
DNA is present in the cytoplasm.
The DNA can create RNA molecules.
There are ribosome in the bacteria, which use the RNA to synthesise protein.
Some antibiotics target the cell membrane.
They disrupt the cell membrane function.
They disrupt the phospholipid by layer.
The cell wall is made up of Peptidoglycan.
These antibiotics does not act on the cell wall,
it binds to the cell membrane.
It alters the cell membrane structure, and makes it more permeable.
This will disrupt the osmotic balance, causing leakage of cellular molecules.
This will lead to cell death.
Examples of these drugs are polymyxin and polyenes.
Polyenes are typically used against fungal pathogens.
Some antibiotics target the cell wall.
They inhibit the cell wall synthesis .
These antibiotics are bactericidal.
Penicillin is an example of this type of antibiotic.
These antibiotics do not impact human cells,
since human cells do not have a cell wall.
Disrupting the cell wall, will result in cell death.
Some antibiotics target the DNA.
They inhibit DNA or RNA synthesis.
For bacteria to replicate, DNA has to be synthesised.
These antibiotics inhibit the synthesis of DNA.
Examples of this is Quinolone, like ciprofloxacin.
Some antibiotics inhibit RNA synthesis.
Example is Rifamycin.
Inhibiting RNA synthesis inhibits, protein synthesis.
Some antibiotics directly inhibit protein synthesis.
Protein synthesis is carried out by ribosomes, which translate mRNA into proteins.
There are two units of the ribosomes, and 50s unit, and the 30s unit.
Bacteria need to make proteins to survive.
Antibiotics like erythromycin work by targeting the 50s unit of the Ribosomes.
Antibiotics like Tetracycline and Streptomycin, target the 30s sub unit of the Ribosome.
The bacteria can still be alive but it will not be functional.
These antibiotics are bacteriostatic.
Some antibiotics inhibit folic acid metabolism.
Folic acid is essential for the synthesis of adenine and thymine.
Adenine and thymine are two of the four nucleic acids, that make-up DNA.
Antibiotics like Sulfonamides prevent folic acid synthesis.
This indirectly prevents DNA synthesis.
Humans do not synthesise folic acid.
These antibiotics do not affect human cells.
Some natural foods have antibiotics properties.
Some examples are discussed below:
Garlic is a spice, which contain a compound called allicin.
It has anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It also has vitamins and minerals.
Honey has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Cabbage contains sulphur and has antibiotic properties.
Apple cider has antibiotics and antiseptic properties.
Coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties.
Colloidal silver is a mixture of silver particles in fluid.
This helps to fight bacteria.
Turmeric is a spice with antibiotics properties.
Neem oil is prepared from the fruits and seeds of neem.
It acts as a antibiotic.
It is also an ingredient in some pesticides.
More research is required to derive the full benefits of natural antibiotics.