Relate protein function to antibiotic resistance Flashcards
How do proteins contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria?
Bacteria produce proteins that can break down antibiotics, modify the target of the antibiotic, or pump the antibiotic out of the cell, contributing to antibiotic resistance.
What is the role of enzymes like beta-lactamase in antibiotic resistance?
Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by some bacteria that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics, rendering them ineffective and contributing to resistance.
How does the alteration of a protein target lead to antibiotic resistance?
Bacteria can alter the proteins that antibiotics target, such as ribosomes or cell wall synthesis enzymes, making the antibiotic less effective or ineffective.
What is the function of efflux pumps in antibiotic resistance?
Efflux pumps are proteins that actively transport antibiotics out of bacterial cells, reducing the concentration of the drug inside the cell and contributing to resistance.
How do mutations in bacterial proteins affect antibiotic resistance?
Mutations can change the shape or function of bacterial proteins, allowing them to resist the effects of antibiotics, either by altering the drug’s target or by enhancing resistance mechanisms.
What role do plasmids play in the spread of antibiotic resistance proteins?
Plasmids often carry genes that encode antibiotic resistance proteins, and they can be transferred between bacteria, spreading resistance.
How does the modification of antibiotic molecules by bacterial proteins lead to resistance?
Bacterial enzymes can chemically modify antibiotics, such as by adding chemical groups, which prevent the antibiotic from binding to its target.
What is the significance of protein synthesis inhibition in antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotics that target protein synthesis can be resisted if bacteria alter the ribosomal proteins or enzymes involved in translation, allowing them to continue synthesizing proteins despite the presence of the antibiotic.
How does the production of alternative proteins contribute to antibiotic resistance?
Bacteria can produce alternative versions of proteins that are not affected by the antibiotic, allowing them to bypass the drug’s action and survive.
Can bacterial proteins that repair DNA damage contribute to antibiotic resistance?
Yes, some bacterial proteins repair the damage caused by antibiotics that target DNA, helping bacteria survive and develop resistance.
