Key Differences Between Bacteria and Viruses, Antibiotic Actions and Resistance

These flashcards cover fundamental differences between bacteria and viruses, mechanisms of antibiotic action, and factors contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Bacteria

Prokaryotic, living cells with a cell wall, cell membrane, ribosomes, and DNA.

Viruses

Non-living acellular particles made of a protein capsid and nucleic acid, either DNA or RNA.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction used by bacteria to replicate.

Response to antibiotics (Bacteria)

Bacteria often respond to antibiotics and improve upon treatment.

Response to antibiotics (Viruses)

Viruses are not responsive to antibiotics.

Antibiotics

Medications that target specific structures or processes in bacteria, such as cell wall synthesis.

Mechanism of Action: Inhibit cell wall synthesis

Example drugs: Penicillins, cephalosporins target bacterial cell wall.

Mechanism of Action: Inhibit protein synthesis

Example drugs: Tetracyclines, macrolides that affect bacterial ribosomes.

Mechanism of Action: Inhibit DNA/RNA synthesis

Example drugs: Fluoroquinolones, rifampin that interfere with bacterial replication.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and proliferate despite exposure to antibiotics.

Causes of Antibiotic Resistance

Includes overuse/misuse of antibiotics, incomplete courses, agricultural use, poor infection control, and global travel.

Genetic Mechanism: Mutation

Spontaneous DNA changes that lead to new resistance genes in bacteria.

Genetic Mechanism: Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of resistance genes between bacteria through conjugation, transformation, and transduction.