The Antibiotic Rifamycin Is Selectively Toxic in Blocking Protein Synthesis

question 45

Multiple Choice

The antibiotic rifamycin is selectively toxic in blocking protein synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis because _______.

• A) the antibiotic binds to the mRNA once synthesized, preventing it from participating in the initiation complex with the ribosome
• B) bacterial ribosomes are 70s whereas host ribosome are 80s, thus the antibiotic binds to the M. tuberculosis ribosome but does not bind to the eukaryotic machinery
• C) it binds preferentially to bacterial RNA polymerase rather than the eukaryotic protein, effectively halting transcription in the pathogen but not the host
• D) the drug binds to the initiator tRNA, preventing the formation of the protein synthesis initiation complex in the bacterial cell

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Definitions:

Debriefing Session

A meeting where participants or researchers discuss the procedures, findings, or experiences related to an experiment or event, often conducted after the conclusion of the event.

Practical Implications

The real-world effects or applications that stem from research findings or theoretical concepts.

Experimental

Relating to a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.

Pilot Study

A small-scale study conducted prior to conducting an actual experiment; designed to test and refine procedures.