Ciprofloxacin and penicillin target bacteria differently. Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes crucial for DNA replication and repair. This disruption halts bacterial growth and leads to cell death.
Penicillin, a beta-lactam antibiotic, works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Specifically, it blocks the formation of peptidoglycans, essential components of the bacterial cell wall. Without a functional cell wall, bacteria become susceptible to lysis and die.
Therefore, Ciprofloxacin’s mechanism disrupts bacterial DNA processes, while penicillin targets cell wall construction. This difference explains their varying effectiveness against different bacterial species and infections. Knowing these distinctions helps clinicians select the most appropriate antibiotic.
Key Differences Summarized:
Ciprofloxacin: Inhibits DNA replication and repair.
Penicillin: Inhibits cell wall synthesis.
