Since the discovery of antimicrobial peptides, has conducted extensive research in the mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides. Currently known, peptides are by acting on the bacterial cell membrane function, and on this basis, a variety of antimicrobial peptides, and the model of the cell membrane. But strictly speaking, antimicrobial peptides kill bacteria which mechanism is still not fully understood.
Is generally believed Cecropin class of antimicrobial peptides role in the cell membrane, the membrane to form transmembrane ion channels and undermine the integrity of the film, resulting in leakage of cell contents, which kill cells.