penicillin-binding protein

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are essential enzymes in bacteria that play a crucial role in the synthesis and maintenance of their cell walls. These proteins are the targets of penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics.12

Penicillin works by inhibiting the bacterial enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis. It also activates other enzymes that break down the protective cell wall. This mechanism is effective only against actively replicating microorganisms, as it targets the process of cell wall production. Human cells, lacking cell walls, are not harmed by penicillin.1

Some bacteria have developed resistance to penicillin by producing an enzyme called penicillinase, which destroys penicillin's antimicrobial action. This has led to the development of modified penicillins to combat resistant strains.1