Final answer:
Antiviral drugs often work by inhibiting viral replication and blocking viral proteins. They can mimic nucleosides to interfere with viral replication or inhibit viral enzymes like polymerases and reverse transcriptase. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antiviral drugs play a pivotal role in managing and alleviating symptoms associated with viral diseases. Their primary mechanism of action revolves around impeding the virus's capacity to replicate and disrupting the synthesis of crucial viral proteins. A fundamental strategy employed by these drugs involves mimicking nucleosides, a pivotal component in the formation of genetic material.
By mimicking nucleosides, antiviral drugs introduce impostors into the viral replication process, causing errors and hindering the accurate reproduction of genetic material. This interference curtails the virus's ability to proliferate effectively within the host, contributing to the containment of the infection. Additionally, antiviral medications exert their effects by targeting specific viral enzymes, notably polymerases and reverse transcriptase.
Inhibiting these enzymes is instrumental in disrupting key stages of the viral life cycle, preventing the synthesis of genetic material essential for the virus's survival and propagation. This dual approach—mimicking nucleosides and inhibiting viral enzymes—underscores the versatility of antiviral drugs in combating a spectrum of viral infections. By impeding replication and protein synthesis, these medications offer a targeted and effective strategy for controlling viral diseases and mitigating their impact on the affected individuals.