cellular response to antibiotic

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of an antibiotic stimulus. An antibiotic is a chemical substance produced by a microorganism which has the capacity to inhibit the growth of or to kill other microorganisms. [GOC:mah]

Cellular response to antibiotic is a complex process that involves a cascade of events triggered by the interaction of the antibiotic with its target within the bacterial cell. The specific response varies depending on the antibiotic, its mechanism of action, and the bacterial species. However, several general steps are involved:

1. **Antibiotic Binding:** The antibiotic binds to its target molecule. This could be a specific enzyme, a ribosome, or even the bacterial cell wall.
2. **Target Inhibition:** The binding of the antibiotic inhibits the function of the target molecule. For example, penicillin inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, while aminoglycosides bind to ribosomes and block protein synthesis.
3. **Cellular Stress Response:** The inhibition of the target molecule triggers a cellular stress response in the bacterium. This may involve the production of stress-response proteins, changes in gene expression, or the activation of repair mechanisms.
4. **Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms:** Bacteria may develop resistance mechanisms to counteract the antibiotic. These mechanisms can include mutations in the target molecule, efflux pumps that remove the antibiotic from the cell, or the production of enzymes that degrade the antibiotic.
5. **Cell Death or Survival:** If the antibiotic successfully disrupts essential cellular processes and the bacterial cell is unable to overcome the stress, it will eventually die. However, if the bacteria develop resistance mechanisms or the antibiotic concentration is insufficient, the cell may survive.

The cellular response to antibiotics is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment and the development of antibiotic resistance. It is also a key area of research for developing new antibiotics and strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (16)