Question

What is the mechanism of action of aminoglycosides like gentamicin in targeting protein synthesis?

A. Inhibiting the attachment to ribosomal subunits.
B. Blocking sulfonamide enzymes.
C. Preventing translocation in the ribosome.
D. Enhancing ribosomal binding.

Answer 1

Aminoglycosides, like gentamicin, bind to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, impairing proofreading ability and causing protein synthesis errors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aminoglycosides, like gentamicin, target protein synthesis by binding to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes. This impairs the proofreading ability of the ribosomal complex, leading to mismatches between codons and anticodons. As a result, proteins with incorrect amino acids and shortened proteins are produced, which insert into the cytoplasmic membrane and disrupt it, ultimately killing the bacterial cells.