Metabolism is really important for bacteria when they are treated with antibiotics. Here’s how it helps them survive:
Energy Production: Bacteria need energy to live, and they get it through processes called metabolic pathways. These pathways, like glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, help them turn sugar (like glucose) into energy. For example, one glucose molecule can create up to 38 energy units called ATP when oxygen is available.
Antibiotic Resistance: Some bacteria can change how they work to get around antibiotics. This is called metabolic adaptation. It helps them take in less of the antibiotic or change it so it doesn't work. About 20% of bacteria can go into a low-energy state, known as metabolic dormancy, which helps them survive even when the antibiotic is present.
Biofilm Formation: Bacteria that are active can stick together and form clusters called biofilms. These biofilms make it much harder for antibiotics to work. In fact, bacteria in biofilms can be up to 1,500 times more resistant to antibiotics than free-floating bacteria.
Knowing how bacteria use metabolism is important for creating better ways to fight antibiotics.
Metabolism is really important for bacteria when they are treated with antibiotics. Here’s how it helps them survive:
Energy Production: Bacteria need energy to live, and they get it through processes called metabolic pathways. These pathways, like glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, help them turn sugar (like glucose) into energy. For example, one glucose molecule can create up to 38 energy units called ATP when oxygen is available.
Antibiotic Resistance: Some bacteria can change how they work to get around antibiotics. This is called metabolic adaptation. It helps them take in less of the antibiotic or change it so it doesn't work. About 20% of bacteria can go into a low-energy state, known as metabolic dormancy, which helps them survive even when the antibiotic is present.
Biofilm Formation: Bacteria that are active can stick together and form clusters called biofilms. These biofilms make it much harder for antibiotics to work. In fact, bacteria in biofilms can be up to 1,500 times more resistant to antibiotics than free-floating bacteria.
Knowing how bacteria use metabolism is important for creating better ways to fight antibiotics.