The mechanism of action for antibiotics against bacteria typically involves inhibiting vital processes such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or DNA replication. Different classes of antibiotics target specific pathways: for example, penicillin disrupts cell wall formation, while tetracyclines inhibit protein production. By interfering with these essential functions, antibiotics effectively kill bacteria or inhibit their growth, helping to treat bacterial infections. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges to this efficacy, necessitating ongoing research and development.