**Core Concept**
The experimental compound prevents the activation of adenyl cyclase, leading to a decrease in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. This mechanism affects various cellular processes, including bacterial toxin-mediated signaling pathways.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The toxin from the bacteria *Bordetella pertussis*, also known as pertussis toxin, acts by ADP-ribosylating the alpha-subunit of the GΞ±i protein, thereby preventing the inhibition of adenyl cyclase. As a result, adenyl cyclase remains active, leading to an increase in cAMP levels. By preventing adenyl cyclase activation, the experimental compound can counteract the effects of pertussis toxin, potentially preventing the toxic effects of *B. pertussis*.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* produces exotoxin A, which inhibits protein synthesis by inactivating elongation factor 2. This mechanism is not directly related to adenyl cyclase activation or cAMP levels.
* **Option B:** *Clostridium difficile* produces toxins A and B, which cause cell death by disrupting the cytoskeleton and inducing apoptosis. These toxins do not rely on adenyl cyclase activation or cAMP signaling.
* **Option C:** *Vibrio cholerae* produces cholera toxin, which stimulates adenyl cyclase activity, leading to an increase in cAMP levels. The experimental compound would not prevent the toxic effects of cholera toxin, as it would not inhibit adenyl cyclase activation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pertussis toxin is a powerful tool in molecular biology, often used to study G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways. Its mechanism of action is a classic example of how bacterial toxins can manipulate host cell signaling pathways to promote their own survival and replication.
**Correct Answer:** C. *Bordetella pertussis*.
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