Antimicrobials That Block Protein Synthesis by Binding to the MRNA

Question

Antimicrobials that block protein synthesis by binding to the mRNA are
A) aminoglycosides.
B) antisense nucleic acids.
C) macrolides.
D) beta-lactams.
E) nucleic acid analogs.

Accepted Answer

Antisense nucleic acids can bind to complementary mRNA sequences and prevent translation of the protein. Aminoglycosides can also inhibit protein synthesis, but they do so by binding to ribosomal subunits and interfering with peptide bond formation. Macrolides also block protein synthesis, but they do so by binding to the ribosome and preventing elongation of the polypeptide chain. Beta-lactams target cell wall synthesis, while nucleic acid analogs interfere with DNA replication or transcription.