Fluoroquinolones interfere with which biological process?

Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics that primarily target bacterial DNA synthesis. They work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes known as DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are crucial for DNA replication and repair in bacteria, as they help to manage the supercoiling and unwinding of DNA strands during these critical processes. By inhibiting these enzymes, fluoroquinolones effectively disrupt bacterial cell division and growth, leading to the eventual death of the bacteria.

The focus on bacterial DNA synthesis is essential because it highlights how fluoroquinolones selectively target bacterial cells without affecting human cells, which utilize different mechanisms for DNA replication and do not rely on the same enzymes. This selectivity is key in minimizing harm to host cells while effectively treating bacterial infections.