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The Sound of Evolution
Methicillin
Mechanism of action:
Methicillin is a β-lactam antibiotic and a semisynthetic penicillin. The β-lactam ring of methicillin can bind to bacterial penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), inhibiting their transpeptidase activity. As a result, peptidoglycan chains cannot be cross-linked, ultimately weakening the cell wall structure and causing bacterial lysis and death due to osmotic pressure.
Reference(s):
1. Gardete S et al. (2006). A link in transcription between the native pbpB and the acquired mecA gene in a strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiology.
2. Williamson R et al. (1980). In vivo interaction of beta-lactam antibiotics with the penicillin-binding proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antimicrob Agents Chemother.
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