Inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis often works by directly blocking the elongation process of RNA, preventing cells from replicating or transcribing genetic material. One specific example is described below.
Mechanism of Inhibition
The inhibition mechanism often involves an antibiotic molecule interacting with RNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme in RNA synthesis.
Binding Site
- The antibiotic binds specifically to the β-subunit of RNA polymerase.
- This binding occurs within the DNA/RNA channel of the enzyme. This is the space where DNA is transcribed into RNA.
Blocking Elongation
- The antibiotic directly blocks the path of the elongating RNA molecule.
- This obstruction typically occurs when the RNA transcript reaches a short length, around 2 to 3 nucleotides.
- This prevents further RNA synthesis, effectively halting the cell's ability to create necessary proteins.
In summary, inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis by this mechanism effectively sabotages the enzyme responsible for creating RNA, preventing the cell from producing the proteins it needs to function and replicate.
