How do antibiotics primarily inhibit bacterial growth?

Antibiotics primarily inhibit bacterial growth by preventing cell wall synthesis. Many antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, work by targeting the enzymes involved in the formation of the bacterial cell wall. The cell wall is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the bacterium, and when its synthesis is disrupted, the bacteria become unable to maintain their shape and are more susceptible to osmotic pressure. This ultimately leads to cell lysis and death.

The mechanism specifically targets the differences between bacterial and human cells, as human cells do not have cell walls. This selective toxicity allows antibiotics to effectively kill or inhibit bacteria without harming human cells, making them a vital tool in treating bacterial infections.