Final answer:
Rifampin, a member of the rifamycin family, inhibits nucleic acid synthesis by blocking the activity of RNA polymerase in bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug rifampin, which is a member of the rifamycin family, inhibits nucleic acid synthesis by blocking the activity of RNA polymerase in bacteria. Specifically, rifampin binds to the beta-subunit of RNA polymerase, preventing initiation of RNA synthesis. This selective inhibition of bacterial RNA polymerase allows for targeted killing of bacterial cells while sparing eukaryotic cells. However, rifampin can induce liver enzymes that increase metabolism of other drugs, leading to hepatotoxicity.