Aminoglycosides inhibit bacterial growth by which of the following mechanisms?

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that primarily function by binding to bacterial ribosomes, specifically the 30S subunit, leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis. When aminoglycosides attach to the ribosomal RNA within the ribosome, they disrupt the translation process of messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. This results in the production of nonfunctional proteins and ultimately impairs the ability of the bacterium to grow and multiply.

The effectiveness of aminoglycosides relies on their ability to induce misreading of mRNA, which can lead to the synthesis of faulty proteins, as well as promoting the premature release of incomplete polypeptides. This mechanism is particularly potent against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria and some Gram-positive bacteria, making aminoglycosides a valuable option in treating various infections.

In contrast, other mechanisms mentioned, such as inhibiting DNA synthesis, inhibiting RNA synthesis, or disrupting cell wall formation, are characteristic of different classes of antibiotics. For instance, fluoroquinolones inhibit DNA synthesis, rifamycins inhibit RNA synthesis, and beta-lactams and glycopeptides disrupt cell wall formation. Each class has a distinct mode of action, which underscores the importance of understanding these differences in microbial treatment strategies