Question #150674
Describe the structural features of thienomycin and the mechanism of its action.
Expert's answer
Thienamycin inhibits the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. It binds to the penicillin-binding protein disrupting the elongation of the cell wall. Although thienamycin has a beta-lactam ring, it is characterized by a highly strained ring lacking a sulfur atom. The two hydrogen atoms at the adjacent 5 and 6 positions of the bicyclic ring structure have trans-configuration.
