Tetracycline inhibits protein synthesis by?
**Core Concept**
Tetracycline is an antibiotic that belongs to the class of tetracyclines, which are broad-spectrum antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria. This class of antibiotics targets the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Tetracycline binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, specifically to the site where the aminoacyl-tRNA binds. This binding prevents the aminoacyl-tRNA from binding to the ribosome, thereby inhibiting the incorporation of amino acids into the growing protein chain. This mechanism of action is specific to tetracycline and other tetracycline-class antibiotics. The binding of tetracycline to the 30S subunit also causes a conformational change in the ribosome, which further contributes to the inhibition of protein synthesis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Inhibiting initiation and causing misreading of mRNA - This is incorrect because tetracycline does not directly inhibit the initiation of protein synthesis or cause misreading of mRNA. It specifically targets the 30S subunit of the ribosome.
**Option C:** Inhibiting peptidyltransferase activity - This is incorrect because tetracycline does not inhibit the peptidyltransferase activity, which is the activity of the 50S subunit of the ribosome responsible for peptide bond formation.
**Option D:** Inhibiting translocation - This is incorrect because tetracycline does not inhibit the translocation step of protein synthesis, which involves the movement of the ribosome along the mRNA.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that tetracycline-class antibiotics can cause photosensitivity, which is an increased sensitivity to sunlight that can lead to skin reactions. This is a critical side effect to consider when prescribing these antibiotics.
**β Correct Answer: B. Binding to 30 S subunit and inhibits binding of aminoacyltRNA**