Sulfa Antibiotics Damage Bacteria by Affecting a Certain Bacterial Enzyme

question 48

Multiple Choice

Sulfa antibiotics damage bacteria by affecting a certain bacterial enzyme. The sulfa antibiotic looks similar to a substrate normally required by the bacterial cells to live. The sulfa antibiotic occupies the active site of the required enzyme and blocks entry of its normal substrate. This prevents the bacteria from making nucleotides that are required for their reproduction and survival. Based on this information, the action of sulfa antibiotics is an example of

• A) activation energy.
• B) competitive inhibition.
• C) denaturing of proteins.
• D) electron carriers.

---

Definitions:

Second Messengers

Chemical changes within a neuron just after the neuron receives a neurotransmitter message and just before it responds.

Receptor Site

Part of a cell membrane that receives and binds specific substances such as hormones, neurotransmitters, or drugs, leading to a cellular response.

Firing Mechanism

The process or device responsible for initiating the discharge of a firearm or neuron's action potential in neurology.

Neuron

A nerve cell.