Question

Which of the following would be selective against the tubercle bacillus? Group of answer choices streptogramin – inhibits protein synthesis vancomycin – inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis ethambutol – inhibits mycolic acid synthesis streptomycin – inhibits protein synthesis bacitracin – inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis

Answer 1

Ethambutol is the antibiotic that selectively targets and inhibits mycolic acid synthesis, making it effective against the tubercle bacillus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tubercle bacillus, which causes tuberculosis, has a unique cell wall that includes a waxy substance called mycolic acid. This substance is essential for the survival of the bacteria, and its synthesis can be targeted by certain antibiotics for selective toxicity.

Of the antibiotics listed, ethambutol is the one that inhibits mycolic acid synthesis, making it selectively active against the tubercle bacillus. While other antibiotics listed, such as streptomycin and vancomycin, are effective against various bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis or peptidoglycan synthesis, they do not offer the same targeted action against mycolic acid synthesis as ethambutol.

Answer 2

C) ethambutol inhibits mycolic acid synthesis

Step-by-step explanation:

Ethambutol is an antimycobacterial agent which is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. However, Ethambutol is to be given in combination with some other drug.

It inhibits the tubercle bacillus and synthesis of spermidine in mycobacteria by inhibiting the transfer of mycolic acids into the cell wall which further stimulates the synthesis of trehalose dimycolates This is bactericidal and may produce lethal effect if it penetrates into the human cell.

Option C is the right choice of answer