Mastering Microbiology Test Bank Related

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Tuberculosis can be treated by means of combined chemotherapy that includes substances with different mechanisms of action. What antituberculous medication inhibits transcription of RNA into DNA in mycobacteria?

  • A. Rifampicin
  • B. Isoniazid
  • C. Streptomycin
  • D. Ethionamide
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rifampicin is the correct answer because it inhibits RNA transcription in mycobacteria by binding to the bacterial RNA polymerase. This prevents the synthesis of RNA, leading to the inhibition of protein production essential for bacterial growth.
Isoniazid inhibits mycolic acid synthesis, Streptomycin inhibits protein synthesis, and Ethionamide disrupts mycolic acid synthesis. These mechanisms are different from inhibiting RNA transcription, making them incorrect choices.