[Campbell Biology P.626] Based on the provided text, why are certain antibiotics, such as er... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text, why are certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin and tetracycline, effective against prokaryotic cells but generally harmless to eukaryotic cells?

  • A: These antibiotics specifically target and destroy the cell walls of prokaryotes, which are absent in eukaryotes.
  • B: Prokaryotic cells have a different DNA replication mechanism that is inhibited by these antibiotics, unlike eukaryotic DNA replication.
  • C: These antibiotics bind to and block protein synthesis in prokaryotic ribosomes, which are slightly smaller and differ in protein and RNA content from eukaryotic ribosomes.
  • D: Eukaryotic cells have efflux pumps that actively remove these antibiotics before they can cause harm.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'prokaryotic ribosomes are slightly smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes and differ in their protein and RNA content. These differences allow certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin and tetracycline, to bind to ribosomes and block protein synthesis in prokaryotes but not in eukaryotes.' Option C directly summarizes this explanation.