Why gram negative bacteria more resistant to antibiotics?
Gram-negative bacteria have an extra protective outer membrane that makes it harder for antibiotics to penetrate and reach their target sites within the bacterial cell. This outer membrane also contains efflux pumps that can actively remove antibiotics from the cell, contributing to antibiotic resistance in gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, gram-negative bacteria can develop mutations or acquire resistance genes that produce enzymes capable of breaking down certain antibiotics, further enhancing their resistance mechanisms.