Question

A scientist wishes to develop an antimicrobial agent that specifically targets replication elongation in Escherichia coli without interfering with proteins that catalyze other replication processes. Which of the following experimental designs is most appropriate for the scientist to explore?

1) Develop a molecule that interferes with the DNA-binding ability of DNA polymerase III core enzyme.
2) Modify an existing antibiotic to act as a competitive inhibitor of DNA polymerase I.
3) Design a drug that modifies the structural configuration of DNA at the oriC locus.
4) Create a novel protein that acts as a competitive inhibitor of the DNA ligase binding site.

Answer 1

The most appropriate experimental design is to develop a molecule that interferes with the DNA-binding ability of DNA polymerase III core enzyme.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate experimental design for the scientist to explore would be to develop a molecule that interferes with the DNA-binding ability of DNA polymerase III core enzyme. DNA polymerase III is the main enzyme responsible for DNA replication in prokaryotes like Escherichia coli. By targeting this specific enzyme, the scientist can disrupt replication elongation without interfering with other replication processes.