## **Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of **antibiotic mechanisms**, specifically those targeting **bacterial protein synthesis**. The peptidyl transferase is a crucial component of the bacterial ribosome, responsible for forming peptide bonds during protein synthesis.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Chloramphenicol**, works by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and inhibiting the **peptidyl transferase** enzyme. This enzyme is essential for the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during protein synthesis. By inhibiting peptidyl transferase, chloramphenicol effectively halts protein synthesis, leading to bacteriostatic effects.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because **Tetracycline** works by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome, which is a different step in protein synthesis.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because **Aminoglycosides** also bind to the 30S subunit but cause misreading of mRNA, leading to incorrect amino acid incorporation into proteins.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because **Erythromycin**, a macrolide antibiotic, binds to the 50S subunit but inhibits protein synthesis by blocking the **translocation** step, not by inhibiting peptidyl transferase directly.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **chloramphenicol** is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with a high risk of **aplastic anemia**, a potentially fatal side effect. This limits its use to life-threatening infections where other treatments are not available.
## **Correct Answer:** . Chloramphenicol
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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