Question

Which is true of aminoglycosides?

1) They are bacteriostatic AND they reversibly bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit.
2) They irreversibly bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit AND they block DNA replication.
3) They block peptidoglycan synthesis AND they bind to the 80S ribosomal subunit.
4) They are bactericidal AND they block DNA replication.
5) They irreversibly bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit AND they are bactericidal.

Answer 1

Aminoglycosides are antibiotics that bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit in bacteria, impairing protein synthesis and killing the bacterial cells. They are bactericidal and have a broad spectrum of activity, but can also cause nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit in bacteria. They impair the proofreading ability of the ribosome, causing mismatches between codons and anticodons during protein synthesis.

This results in the production of proteins with incorrect amino acids and shortened proteins that insert into the cytoplasmic membrane, disrupting it and eventually killing the bacterial cells. Aminoglycosides, such as streptomycin and gentamicin, are bactericidal and have a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria.

However, they can also be nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, and ototoxic, which means they can cause damage to the kidney, nervous system, and ear, respectively.