Which step does Folate synthesis affect in bacteria?

Folate synthesis in bacteria primarily influences the conversion of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to dihydropteroate, which is a critical step in the synthesis of folate. This step is significant because it is where the pteridine and PABA components come together to form dihydropteroate, ultimately leading to folate production. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, thus impacting bacterial growth and replication.

The relevance of this step in the antibiotic resistance context is notable. Certain antibiotics, such as sulfonamides, work by inhibiting the enzyme that catalyzes this conversion, thereby disrupting folate synthesis and rendering the bacteria unable to proliferate. This mechanism underpins the importance of understanding the specific steps involved in folate synthesis to effectively target bacterial growth pathways.