MICR 4423 UNIT 6 REVIEW QUESTIONS
Why were virtually all screened small molecules that inhibited isolated bacterial proteins
poor antibiotic candidates? - Answers - They did not prevent whole bacterial cells from
growing because they couldn't get into cells, couldn't access their target, were
metabolized by the cells etc. Screening isolated proteins is dissimilar from how the
bacteria would actually work.
Name 8 bacterial processes that in principle could represent potential targets for
antibiotics. - Answers - 1. Fatty acid biosynthesis
2. Biosynthesis of isoprenoids
3. LPS biosynthesis
4. Cell Division (FtsZ)
5. Riboswitches
6. PDF (peptide deformylase)
7. Proteases or signal peptidases
8. Outer membrane foldase complex (BAM complex)
Among these, which is targeted by the clinical antibiotic isoniazid, used against M.
tuberculosis? - Answers - Fatty acid biosynthesis
M. tuberculosis? Among these processes, which is targeted by triclosan and its
derivatives? - Answers - Fatty acid biosynthesis
Among these processes, which is targeted by the recently discovered antibiotic
darobactin? - Answers - Outer membrane foldase complex (BAM complex)
What is a riboswitch made of? - Answers - RNA
Among the 8 processes, which is targeted by benzamide? - Answers - Cell Division
(FtsZ)
Why is developing an LPS biosynthesis-targeting antibiotic attractive with respect to
clinically important pathogens? - Answers - It would be gram-negative specific and
gram-negative pathogens are often treatment resistant.
Phages can sometimes clear infections with drug-resistant bacteria, making them a
promising therapy against MDR infections. What is a drawback of phage therapy? -
Answers - - Phages are extremely narrow spectrum and may only attack a particular
species or strain.
- Sensitive to storage conditions (must be refrigerated or frozen)
In what country is the Eliava Institute, the world's leading phage therapy center? -
Answers - Georgia
Why were virtually all screened small molecules that inhibited isolated bacterial proteins
poor antibiotic candidates? - Answers - They did not prevent whole bacterial cells from
growing because they couldn't get into cells, couldn't access their target, were
metabolized by the cells etc. Screening isolated proteins is dissimilar from how the
bacteria would actually work.
Name 8 bacterial processes that in principle could represent potential targets for
antibiotics. - Answers - 1. Fatty acid biosynthesis
2. Biosynthesis of isoprenoids
3. LPS biosynthesis
4. Cell Division (FtsZ)
5. Riboswitches
6. PDF (peptide deformylase)
7. Proteases or signal peptidases
8. Outer membrane foldase complex (BAM complex)
Among these, which is targeted by the clinical antibiotic isoniazid, used against M.
tuberculosis? - Answers - Fatty acid biosynthesis
M. tuberculosis? Among these processes, which is targeted by triclosan and its
derivatives? - Answers - Fatty acid biosynthesis
Among these processes, which is targeted by the recently discovered antibiotic
darobactin? - Answers - Outer membrane foldase complex (BAM complex)
What is a riboswitch made of? - Answers - RNA
Among the 8 processes, which is targeted by benzamide? - Answers - Cell Division
(FtsZ)
Why is developing an LPS biosynthesis-targeting antibiotic attractive with respect to
clinically important pathogens? - Answers - It would be gram-negative specific and
gram-negative pathogens are often treatment resistant.
Phages can sometimes clear infections with drug-resistant bacteria, making them a
promising therapy against MDR infections. What is a drawback of phage therapy? -
Answers - - Phages are extremely narrow spectrum and may only attack a particular
species or strain.
- Sensitive to storage conditions (must be refrigerated or frozen)
In what country is the Eliava Institute, the world's leading phage therapy center? -
Answers - Georgia
