What do tetracyclines inhibit in bacteria?

Tetracyclines are a class of antibiotics that primarily inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria. They achieve this by binding to the bacterial ribosome, specifically the 30S subunit, which disrupts the translation process. As a result, the production of proteins essential for bacterial growth and reproduction is significantly reduced. This mechanism of action makes tetracyclines effective against a variety of bacterial infections.

Other processes such as folic acid production, cell wall synthesis, and DNA replication are not the primary targets of tetracyclines. For example, folic acid production is typically inhibited by sulfonamides, while cell wall synthesis is affected by beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins. DNA replication inhibitors include fluoroquinolones, which target enzymes like DNA gyrase. Thus, tetracyclines' specific action on protein synthesis distinguishes them in the treatment of bacterial infections.