• Question: How do Bacteria make drugs?

    Asked by Mr Sullivan1 to Thomas, Sanjib on 14 Jun 2017. This question was also asked by baileyyyyyyyy, scott.
    • Photo: Thomas Booth

      Thomas Booth answered on 14 Jun 2017:

      Thanks for the question.

      There are a variety of ways! Most commonly they use large enzymatic assembly lines. Huge (relatively!) proteins called enzymes are used to add together different molecules to create a more complex molecule, like a drug. Imagine sticking together lego-bricks and you might get the idea.

      The most common drugs are made by stitching together amino-acids to make peptides or fatty acids to make steroids or polyketides.

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