Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: _Stefan_ on 07/03/2009 15:30:00

Title: Differences betwn prokaryote, eukaryote & endosymbiont antibiotic susceptibility
Post by: _Stefan_ on 07/03/2009 15:30:00

Could someone please help me with what the structural and functional differences are between prokaryotes, eukaryotes & endosymbionts, that make them differentially resistant or susceptible to different antibiotics?

Especially the reasons why mitochondria and chloroplasts are resistant to antibiotics that bacteria are susceptible to, even though they have evolved from bacteria themselves?

I am referring to general differences that the groups have, not specific resistances to drugs as in the case of MRSA etc.

Many thanks in advance.

Title: Differences betwn prokaryote, eukaryote & endosymbiont antibiotic susceptibility
Post by: Phil1907 on 12/03/2009 01:17:29

I've not much in the way of reports re. your assumption that mitchondria, for example, are resistant to antibiotics effective vs. bacteria. Certainly those that target cell walls are not relevant.  I do know that chloramphenicol does affect fungal mitchondria as it does bacteria  but it takes higher levels.

Title: Differences betwn prokaryote, eukaryote & endosymbiont antibiotic susceptibility
Post by: _Stefan_ on 12/03/2009 03:32:35

Thanks.

I assumed mitochondria and chloroplasts are resistant to some bacteria-targeting antibiotics because otherwise they would die whenever we medicate ourselves against bacterial infections. So what's preventing this from happening?

Title: Differences betwn prokaryote, eukaryote & endosymbiont antibiotic susceptibility
Post by: Phil1907 on 23/03/2009 11:40:50

They're not resistant per se - it just takes greater levels.  The chloramphenicol  mitochondrial inhibition requires higher levels - presume due to the physical separation inside the cell).
Of course they'll not be affected cell wall targeting antibiotics like penicillin.

Title: Differences betwn prokaryote, eukaryote & endosymbiont antibiotic susceptibility
Post by: _Stefan_ on 24/03/2009 20:55:23

Thanks Phil!