Autolysis control hypotheses for tolerance to wall antibiotics

Antibiotics are divided into two classes: bacteriostatic and bactericidal. The reasons for their classification are usually self-evident, although seldom proven. For example, chloram-phenicol stops protein synthesis and is bacteriostatic, probably because when it is removed growth can recommence. Penicillin and congeners are bactericidal, probably because continued cytoplasmic synthesis should lead to increased cellular pressure and eventually to the rupture of the wall and to cell death. Lethality is not always the outcome, and certain strains may neither grow nor lyse in the presence of lactams they are called "tolerant.".