Cephem
Cephem
Cephem (pronunciation: /ˈsɛfɛm/) is a class of beta-lactam antibiotics derived from cephalosporin C. The term "cephem" is often used interchangeably with "cephalosporin," although it technically refers to the core chemical structure of these antibiotics.
Etymology
The term "cephem" is derived from the Greek word "kephale," meaning "head," and the suffix "-em," which is commonly used in the naming of chemical compounds. This is in reference to the unique structure of the cephem nucleus, which resembles a human head.
Related Terms
- Cephalosporin: A larger class of antibiotics that includes cephems. Cephalosporins are bactericidal and work by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall.
- Beta-lactam antibiotics: A broad class of antibiotics that includes penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. They are characterized by a beta-lactam ring in their chemical structure.
- Cephalosporin C: A naturally occurring cephalosporin antibiotic from which cephems are derived.
- Bactericidal: Refers to substances that kill bacteria.
- Cell wall synthesis inhibitors: A class of antibiotics that work by preventing bacteria from forming the cell wall, which is necessary for their growth and survival.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cephem
- Wikipedia's article - Cephem
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