Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Antimicrobial Drug Action

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-x

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2. The development of antimicrobial agents past, present and future

   • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

   Pages 1-14

3. Vulnerable shields — the cell walls of bacteria and fungi

   • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

   Pages 15-41

4. Antiseptics, antibiotics and the cell membrane

   • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

   Pages 43-59

5. Inhibitors of nucleic acid synthesis

   • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

   Pages 61-76

6. Inhibitors of protein biosynthesis

   • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

   Pages 77-96

7. Antimicrobial drugs with other modes of action

   • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

   Pages 97-106

8. Penetrating the defences: how antimicrobial drugs reach their targets

   • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

   Pages 107-118

9. The genetic basis of resistance to antimicrobial drugs

   • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

   Pages 119-131

10. Biochemical mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial drugs

    • T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

    Pages 133-157

11. Back Matter

    Pages 159-166

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The rapid advances made in the study of the synthesis, structure and function of biological macromole­ cules in the last fifteen years have enabled scientists concerned with antimicrobial agents to achieve a considerable measure of understanding of how these substances inhibit cell growth and division. The use of antimicrobial agents as highly specific inhibitors has in turn substantially assisted the investigation of complex biochemical processes. The literature in this field is so extensive, however, that we considered an attempt should be made to draw together in an introductory book the more significant studies of recent years. This book, which is in fact based on lecture courses given by us to undergraduates at Liverpool and Manchester Universities, is therefore intended as an introduction to the biochemistry of antimicrobial action for advanced students in many disciplines. We hope that it may also be useful to established scientists who are new to this area of research. The book is concerned with a discussion of medically important antimicrobial compounds and also a number of agents that, although having no medical uses, have proved invaluable as research tools in bio­ chemistry. Our aim has been to present the available information in a simple and readable way, empha­ sizing the established facts rather than more controversial material. Whenever possible, however, we have indicated the gaps in the present knowledge of the subject where further information is required.

• HIV
• antimicrobial
• biochemistry
• biology
• biosynthesis
• cell
• chemistry
• development
• drug
• drug resistance
• fungi
• molecular biology
• nucleic acid
• resistance
• synthesis
• infectious diseases

From the reviews of the sixth edition:

"This sixth edition builds on the successful formula of its predecessors with an accessible small format, clear diagrams and illustrations, key antibiotic structures and an engaging explanatory text. … the great strength ... is that it has managed to convey the essentials of the topic without … expanding in girth at each edition. … this book remains the first port of call for those requiring an overview of the topic or seeking a starting point for more in-depth information on an unfamiliar antimicrobial." (Jonathan H Cove, British Toxicology Society Newsletter, Winter, 2005)

• Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK

  T. J. Franklin, G. A. Snow

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