What are quinolones?

Quinolones are a class of synthetic antibiotics that specifically target bacterial DNA gyrase, an essential enzyme involved in the coiling and uncoiling of DNA during replication. By inhibiting DNA gyrase, quinolones disrupt the DNA replication process in bacteria, leading to cell death. This mechanism makes them effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, as it directly affects the bacteria's ability to replicate and repair their genetic material.

This class of antibiotics is often used in clinical settings to treat infections caused by various Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. Their effectiveness and the specific targeting of bacterial DNA gyrase highlight the importance of quinolones in microbiology and antibiotic therapy.