Which of the followig antitubercular drug acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA dependent RNA polymerase?
**Question:** Which of the following antitubercular drug acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA dependent RNA polymerase?
A. Isoniazid
B. Ethambutol
C. Streptomycin
D. Pyrazinamide
**Core Concept:** Antitubercular drugs are medications used to treat tuberculosis (TB) infections caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. One important target for these drugs is the bacteria's DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP), which is responsible for transcribing genetic information from DNA to RNA.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Isoniazid (INH) is an effective antitubercular drug that acts by inhibiting bacterial RNAP. It is a prodrug that is converted to its active form, hydrazine, by the enzyme katG. Inhibition of RNAP leads to a decrease in the production of RNA and proteins required for bacterial growth, ultimately causing cell death.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
B. Ethambutol (EMB) inhibits the synthesis of mycolic acids in the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which results in cell wall permeability changes and bacterial death. It does not directly target RNAP.
C. Streptomycin (SM) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that binds to the 16S rRNA in the 30S ribosomal subunit, leading to ribosome inhibition and bacterial cell death. Unlike INH, streptomycin does not directly target RNAP.
D. Pyrazinamide (PZA) acts by inhibiting mycobacterial pyrazinoate mono-aminopeptidase, which is involved in the catabolism of pyrazinamide. It does not directly target RNAP or inhibit bacterial RNA synthesis.
**Clinical Pearl:** The correct answer, Isoniazid, is an essential component of the first-line antitubercular regimen, along with Rifampicin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide. This combination therapy aims to target multiple aspects of M. tuberculosis biology and reduce the risk of drug resistance. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these drugs is crucial for effective treatment and management of tuberculosis infections.