Penicillin inhibits bacterial multiplication because it

Options

A. Checks RNA synthesis
B. Checks DNA synthesis
C. Destroys chromatin
D. Inhibits cell wall formation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Penicillin**: Penicillin is an antibiotic that is widely used to treat bacterial infections. It works by targeting specific processes in bacterial cells.

2. **Identifying the Mechanism of Action**: The primary action of penicillin is to inhibit the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is a vital component of the bacterial cell wall.

3. **Role of Peptidoglycan**: Peptidoglycan provides structural integrity to the bacterial cell wall. It consists of a mesh-like structure formed by cross-linked chains of sugars and amino acids.

4. **Inhibition of Cell Wall Formation**: When penicillin is present, it interferes with the enzymes that are responsible for forming these cross-links in peptidoglycan. As a result, the bacterial cell wall cannot be properly formed.

5. **Consequences of Inhibition**: Without a functional cell wall, bacteria are unable to maintain their shape and integrity. This leads to cell lysis (bursting) and ultimately inhibits bacterial multiplication.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that penicillin inhibits bacterial multiplication because it inhibits cell wall formation.

**Final Answer**: Penicillin inhibits bacterial multiplication because it inhibits cell wall formation.

---