Some examples of classification of antibiotics Biochemical function: Inhibition of Example Nucleic acid synthesis Nalidixinic acid (DNA) Protein synthesis Streptomycin,Tetracycline,Chloramphenicol Cell wall synthesis Penicillin,Cephalosporin Membrane function Polymyxin Energy metabolism Gramicidin Structure: Class:Activity against Example B-lactams G+bacteria Penicillin,Cephalosporin Aminoglycosides G+&G-bacteria Streptomycin,Kanamycin Macrolides G+bacteria Erythromycin Polypeptides G+&G-bacteria Bacitracin,Polymyxin Kinons Broad-spectrum Tetracycline Polyenes Fungi Nystatin,Amphotericin Antimicrobial spectrum: Bactericide Kills bacteria Bacteristatic Inhibits bacteria Fungicide Kills fungi Fungistatic Inhibits fungi Antiviral Active against virus Broad-spectrum Active against many types of microorganisms