Streptomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit. What is the primary consequence of this binding that leads to its bactericidal effect?

• A Misreading of the mRNA codon ✓
• B Inhibition of initiation complex formation
• C Blocking of peptidyl transferase
• D Prevention of translocation

Explanation

Aminoglycosides bind to the 30S subunit and cause misreading of the mRNA, leading to the production of non-functional proteins, which contributes to their bactericidal effect. This misreading inserts incorrect amino acids into the growing peptide chain, resulting in toxic protein fragments. This unique action explains why aminoglycosides are bactericidal rather than bacteriostatic. Linezolid inhibits initiation complex formation. Chloramphenicol blocks peptidyl transferase. Macrolides prevent translocation.

Reference: Katzung and Trevor's Pharmacology, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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