Final answer:
Antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis can be narrow spectrum or broad spectrum. Narrow spectrum antibiotics are effective against a limited range of bacteria, while broad spectrum antibiotics work against a wide range of taxonomic groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis can be either narrow spectrum or broad spectrum. Narrow spectrum antibiotics are effective against a limited range of bacteria, whereas broad spectrum antibiotics work against a wide range of taxonomic groups. It is preferred to use a narrow spectrum antibiotic first to minimize damage to the microbiota and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. For example, tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic that blocks the A site on the bacterial ribosome, while chloramphenicol blocks peptidyl transfer.