Question

Trimethoprin

A) disruption of cytoplasmic membranes
B) inhibition of cell wall synthesis
C) inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis
D) inhibition of metabolic pathways
E) inhibition of protein synthesis

Answer 1

Trimethoprim is an antimicrobial that inhibits metabolic pathways by interfering with bacterial folic acid synthesis, crucial for nucleic acid synthesis and bacterial growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Trimethoprim is a synthetic antimicrobial compound that functions as an antimetabolite to an enzyme in the bacterial folic acid synthesis pathway.

It differs from drugs that inhibit cell wall biosynthesis or protein synthesis. Unlike tetracyclines, which block the attachment of tRNA to the ribosome, or drugs like cycloheximide that block peptidyl transfer in eukaryotes, trimethoprim specifically inhibits metabolic pathways related to the production of bacterial folic acid.

This action results in the blocking of purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, which are vital components required for nucleic acid synthesis, ultimately inhibiting bacterial growth.