Antibiotics selectively target bacteria for eradication as opposed to the host’s cells by acting on things that are particular to bacteria. A number of bacteria produce peptidoglycan that makes up their cell walls. Human cells don’t produce nor need this this, so antibiotics that target peptidoglycan destroy the bacteria without harming good cells. Metabolic pathways are another route in which bacteria are damaged without the host cells. Sulfonamides prohibit bacteria from producing folic acid which is critical to the survival of cells. Tetracyclines prevents protein synthesis in bacteria. Some antibiotics can kill both good and bad cells so it is important for providers to know the patient’s correct diagnosis and health history as to not allow