Question

Which of the following is not a mechanism of an antiviral drug?

1) Blocking viral ribosomes
2) Blocking viral attachment
3) Blocking viral penetration
4) Blocking uncoating

Answer 1

The mechanism of antiviral drugs does not include blocking viral ribosomes as viruses rely on host cell ribosomes for protein synthesis. Instead, antiviral drugs target specific viral processes and enzymes such as attachment, penetration, uncoating, and neuraminidase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the schoolwork question is option 1) Blocking viral ribosomes. Viruses lack their own ribosomes; instead, they rely on the host cell's ribosomes to synthesize viral proteins. Therefore, antiviral drugs do not target viral ribosomes as there are none. Instead, antiviral mechanisms include blocking viral attachment, blocking viral penetration, blocking viral uncoating, and inhibiting other viral-specific enzymes and processes, such as the viral DNA or RNA polymerase or proteases. Drugs like Tamiflu operate by blocking a viral-specific enzyme, in this case, neuraminidase, which is essential for the release of new influenza virus particles from the host cell, thereby preventing the spread of infection.