Question

The antibacterial activity of prontosil is due to ________.

Options

• benzene sulphonic acid

• p-amino benzene sulphonic acid

• p-amino benzene sulphonamide

• p-methoxy benzene sulphonamide

Answer 1

The antibacterial activity of prontosil is due to p-amino benzene sulphonamide.

Explanation:

Prontosil itself is inactive outside the body (in vitro). When it enters the body, it is broken down by intestinal enzymes to release p-amino benzene sulphonamide (Sulphanilamide), which is the actual active compound responsible for killing bacteria. This means Prontosil is a prodrug, it needs to be converted inside the body to become effective.