microbiology basic and clinical principles test bank Related

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The most important mechanism of tetracycline resistance is

  • A. Reduced active influx by alteration of transport molecules
  • B. Reduced passive influx due to altered cell membrane components
  • C. Increased active efflux from the bacterial cell
  • D. Direct enzymatic inactivation of the antibiotic
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased active efflux from the bacterial cell. This is the most important mechanism of tetracycline resistance because it involves the bacteria actively pumping out the antibiotic, reducing its intracellular concentration. This prevents tetracycline from effectively targeting bacterial ribosomes. Choice A is incorrect as tetracycline resistance typically involves active efflux rather than reduced influx. Choice B is incorrect because tetracycline resistance mechanisms do not primarily involve altered cell membrane components affecting passive influx. Choice D is also incorrect as tetracycline resistance mechanisms do not typically involve direct enzymatic inactivation of the antibiotic.