Multiple choice

Which of the following is/are the target area of the antibiotic produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa var. colistinus?

  1. Cell wall

  2. Nucleus

  3. Ribosomes

  4. Cell membrane

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Colistin is the antibiotic produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa var. colistinus. Its target area is the cell membrane. It has both hydrophilic and lipophilic moieties. These regions interact with the cell membrane. They solubilise the membrane in an aqueous environment that exerts a bactericidal effect.