Question

multiple select question
select all that apply
which of the following are mechanisms of antibiotic resistance?

inhibition of bacterial nucleic acid synthesis
decrease in the number of and/or affinity of antibiotic binding sites
shutdown of a metabolic pathway caused by enzyme mutation
inactivation of the antibiotic (via enzyme)
removal of antibiotic molecules via drug pumps
decreased uptake of antibiotic caused by decreased permeability of bacterial cell
inhibition of host protein synthesis

Explanation:

Antibiotic resistance mechanisms include:

• Decrease in antibiotic - binding sites (number/affinity change).
• Enzyme - mediated antibiotic inactivation.
• Drug pumps removing antibiotics.
• Reduced bacterial cell permeability (less antibiotic uptake).

Inhibition of bacterial nucleic acid synthesis is an antibiotic action (not resistance). Shutdown of metabolic pathway (enzyme mutation) is not a typical resistance mechanism. Inhibition of host protein synthesis is not relevant to bacterial antibiotic resistance.

Answer:

B. Decrease in the number of and/or affinity of antibiotic binding sites
D. Inactivation of the antibiotic (via enzyme)
E. Removal of antibiotic molecules via drug pumps
F. Decreased uptake of antibiotic caused by decreased permeability of bacterial cell