Ciprofloxacin targets bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are crucial for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair.
Ciprofloxacin binds to these enzymes, preventing them from functioning correctly. This inhibition stops bacterial DNA from unwinding and replicating, effectively halting bacterial growth and ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.
The drug’s effectiveness relies on its ability to selectively target bacterial enzymes without significantly impacting human cellular processes. This selective toxicity is a key element in its antibacterial properties.
Different bacteria exhibit varying levels of susceptibility to ciprofloxacin due to differences in their enzyme structures and overall physiology. Resistance mechanisms, such as mutations in the target enzymes, can also limit its efficacy.
