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Question #46719
The Question
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that inhibits bacterial translation by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit and blocking peptidyl transferase activity. However, prolonged administration in humans can lead to severe cellular energy depletion and lactic acidosis. Which of the following best explains this off-target physiological toxicity?
Options
- A.
It cross-reacts with the 70S ribosomes in the mitochondrial matrix, inhibiting the synthesis of proteins essential for oxidative phosphorylation.
- B.
It binds to the 80S ribosomes in the cytoplasm, preventing the translation of nuclear-encoded enzymes required for the Krebs cycle.
- C.
It acts as an uncoupler in the inner mitochondrial membrane, dissipating the proton gradient required for ATP synthesis.
- D.
It inhibits the 28S rRNA ribozyme activity of the 60S subunit on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, halting cellular respiration.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Ribosome Svedberg Coefficient|70S vs 80S|Chloramphenicol|Mitochondrial_Ribosomes
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating the Endosymbiotic Theory with Molecular Basis of Inheritance.
Students often memorize that antibiotics are exclusively prokaryote-specific, forgetting that human mitochondria retain bacterial-like 70S ribosomes.
The trap tests the ability to link the Svedberg coefficient (70S) of mitochondria to the specific mechanism of prokaryotic translation inhibitors, explaining clinical off-target toxicity.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell – The Unit of Life - Class 11 |
| Concept | Ribosome Svedberg Coefficient |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |