Aminoglycosides · Pharmacology

Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action for aminoglycosides?

  1. Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins
  2. Competitive inhibition of the enzyme dihydropteroate synthase
  3. Irreversible binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA
  4. Inhibition of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes
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Correct answer: Irreversible binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA

Aminoglycosides bind irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit. This interference leads to the inhibition of the initiation complex, misreading of the genetic code, and the production of nonfunctional proteins, resulting in bactericidal activity.

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