Final answer:
Aminoglycosides like neomycin and kanamycin bind to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, sterilizing the bowel by killing bacteria, with potential nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, and ototoxic side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aminoglycosides are potent antibacterials known for their ability to bind to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, resulting in the production of abnormal proteins that disrupt bacterial cell membranes and lead to cell death. The two aminoglycosides that can sterilize the bowel are neomycin-mycin and kanamycin-mycin.
These antibiotics are used prior to surgical procedures to minimize infection risks from bowel microbes, particularly in immunocompromised patients. It's important to note that while effective, aminoglycosides have potential side effects including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity.