**Core Concept:** Exotoxin A is a protein toxin produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that inhibits protein synthesis by cleaving the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to the A site. This leads to the inhibition of protein synthesis and cellular dysfunction.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is **D** Clostridium difficile toxin B, which also works by a similar mechanism to Exotoxin A of Pseudomonas. Both toxins are exotoxins that enter the target cells through endocytosis, translocate to the cytoplasm, and cleave the 23S rRNA in the 60S ribosomal subunit, preventing the formation of the ternary complex (aminoacyl-tRNA-rRNA-eRF1) required for peptide bond formation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Exotoxin A of Staphylococcus aureus (Option A)**: This toxin works differently, by inhibiting protein synthesis by blocking the translocation step of peptide bond formation.
B. **Tetrodotoxin (Option B)**: This neurotoxin is produced by various marine organisms and blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons, causing neuronal hyperexcitability, not protein synthesis inhibition like Exotoxin A and Clostridium difficile toxin B.
C. **Spectinomycin (Option C)**: This antibiotic is an aminoglycoside that binds to the 16S rRNA, preventing the formation of the A-site tRNA and blocking protein synthesis. However, it does not represent a toxin produced by a bacterial species.
**Clostridium difficile toxin B (Option D)**: As mentioned above, it works by cleaving the 23S rRNA, inhibiting the formation of the ternary complex, and blocking protein synthesis, making it the correct answer.
**Clinical Pearl:** The understanding of toxin mechanisms is crucial in clinical practice, as knowing these toxin actions helps in diagnosing and treating various infections caused by these bacteria, as well as understanding the pathogenesis of related diseases.
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.