E. coli is being used to study various agents that inhibit protein synthesis. One agent binds the 23S rRNA of the 50S subunit and prevents peptide bond formation. No new proteins are produced. To which antibiotic is this agent likely related?
A) chloramphenicol
B) streptomycin
C) puromycin
D) tetracycline
E) erythromycin

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chloramphenicol is known to bind to the 23S rRNA of the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing peptide bond formation and thus inhibiting protein synthesis. The description given in the question matches the mechanism of action of chloramphenicol, making it the best choice. Streptomycin and tetracycline bind to the 30S subunit, while puromycin and erythromycin target the A-site and translocation, respectively, so they are not likely related to the agent described in the question.

E Coli Is Being Used to Study Various Agents That