Question
Which statement best describes how streptomycin attacks bacterial cells? View Available Hint(s) Streptomycin targets the peptidoglycan cell wall and causes osmotic lysis Streptomycin disrupts the bacterial cell membrane. Streptomycin targets the 70 S ribosome and inhibits protein synthesis Streptomycin inhibits DNA replication. Submit
Ask by Cervantes Davies. in the United States
Feb 03,2025
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Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Streptomycin targets the 70 S ribosome and stops protein synthesis in bacterial cells.
Solution
The correct statement is:
**Streptomycin targets the 70 S ribosome and inhibits protein synthesis.**
**Explanation:**
Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that specifically binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome (part of the larger 70S ribosome in prokaryotes). This binding interferes with the initiation complex of protein synthesis and causes misreading of mRNA, leading to the production of faulty proteins. This ultimately inhibits bacterial growth and can kill the bacteria.
**Incorrect Options:**
- **Peptidoglycan Cell Wall Targeting:** This is the mechanism of action for antibiotics like penicillin, not streptomycin.
- **Disrupting the Cell Membrane:** Antibiotics such as polymyxins target the bacterial cell membrane.
- **Inhibiting DNA Replication:** Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin work by this mechanism.
**Answer:**
Streptomycin targets the 70 S ribosome and inhibits protein synthesis
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Simplify this solution Bonus Knowledge
Streptomycin is a powerful antibiotic that specifically targets the 70 S ribosome within bacterial cells, inhibiting protein synthesis. This action is crucial because proteins are fundamental for various cellular functions, and by disrupting their production, streptomycin effectively stifles bacterial growth and replication. In its historical context, streptomycin was the first antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, discovered in 1943 by Selman Waksman. This groundbreaking finding not only paved the way for combating tuberculosis but also marked the beginning of the antibiotic era, saving countless lives and transforming public health.
