Oxford researchers capture unseen intermediates to resolve 40-year-old penicillin mechanism mystery
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Biotechnology and enzyme kinetics: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology topic regarding antibiotic synthesis.
Why in news
Oxford researchers used ultrafast X-ray free-electron laser experiments to capture unseen intermediates in the penicillin synthesis mechanism, resolving a 40-year-old mystery.
Background
Researchers from the University of Oxford and international collaborators observed the enzyme isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) converting a linear peptide substrate into penicillin’s ring system. The study, published in Nature Catalysis, identified previously unseen intermediates including a thioaldehyde and monocyclic β-lactam.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TIsopenicillin N synthase (IPNS): The enzyme responsible for converting linear peptide substrates into penicillin's ring system.
- S&TX-ray free-electron laser: The technology used to capture ultrafast intermediates in chemical reactions.
- FactNature Catalysis: The journal where the study on penicillin's mechanism was published.
Prelims practice question
Which enzyme is responsible for converting linear peptide substrates into penicillin's ring system?
- (a)ATP Synthase
- (b)Isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS)
- (c)Cytochrome C Oxidase
- (d)DNA Polymerase
Show answer
Answer: (b) Isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) — The note identifies Isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) as the enzyme responsible for this conversion.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how advancements in ultrafast X-ray free-electron laser technology are accelerating the discovery of novel antibiotic mechanisms and drug synthesis.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Mechanistic clarity: Identifying thioaldehyde and monocyclic β-lactam intermediates to understand enzyme-substrate interactions
- Drug discovery acceleration: Resolving 40-year-old biochemical mysteries to facilitate the development of next-generation antibiotics
Keywords: biotechnology · enzyme kinetics · antibiotic resistance · X-ray free-electron laser · biochemical mechanism
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.