Penicillin V Research Paper

Penicillin V is a first-generation penicillin used to treat infections generally caused by gram-positive bacteria. Penicillin V consists of 16 carbons, 18 hydrogens, two nitrogen, five oxygens and a sulfur atom. The beta-lactam group is the ring composed of two nitrogen, a sulfur atom, and an oxygen double-bound to a carbon. Penicillin works by bursting a bacteria’s cell wall; this is done by inhibiting the proteins that link peptidoglycans together in the cell wall, which prevents the bacteria from closing the “holes” in the wall and the difference in pressure results in the bacteria bursting (Newman). Common medical uses of Penicillin V are to treat streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), otitis media, infections caused by streptococcus
For example, a first-generation Penicillin treats infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. A second-generation Penicillin might fight against gram-positive bacteria and increase its treatment against gram-negative as well and a third-generation Penicillin is another progression of Penicillin that fights against both gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria. First-generation Penicillin generally consist of carbons, hydrogens, nitrogen, oxygens, and sulfur. For a second-generation Penicillin, there may be a large increase of carbons, or an addition of chlorine or fluorine. All generations have the thiazolidine ring that make them susceptible to inactivation by beta-lactamose (Aminopenicillins). The structure of Penicillin has evolved over the generations by the addition of “bulky” side rings that limit a bacteria’s access to the beta-lactam ring
First, by restricting the transport of Penicillin into their cell walls by restricting the amount and size of porins on their outer membrane (Metzler). This ultimately does not allow large quantities of Penicillin V to enter the cell and destroy the bacteria. Secondly, the bacteria can mutate Penicillin-binding proteins, so it is unrecognizable for Penicillin to bind to (Metzler). Lastly, and most commonly, bacteria will secrete enzymes called beta-lactamases that ultimately destroy Penicillin’s beta-lactam ring (Metzler). The beta-lactam ring is essential to the function of Penicillin and by breaking the chemical bond of the beta-lactam ring, the Penicillin cannot treat the infection.

Works Cited
"Aminopenicillins." U.S. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health, n.d. Web. 27 July 2017.
Berg, Jeremy M. "Enzymes Can Be Inhibited by Specific Molecules." Biochemistry. 5th edition. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. 28 July 2017.
"First Generation Penicillins." National Institutes of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. 27 July 2017.
Newman, Tim. "Penicillin: How Does Penicillin Work?" Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 28 July