Question

ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. which of the following statements best explains why antibiotics such as tetracycline can inhibit bacterial growth without harming human cells?

a prokaryotic ribosomes synthesize dna instead of proteins, so antibiotics prevent dna production in bacteria.

b prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller and different from eukaryotic ribosomes, allowing antibiotics to selectively bind bacterial ribosomes preventing protein synthesis.

c eukaryotic ribosomes are located only in the cytoplasm, while prokaryotic ribosomes are found only in the nucleus.

d prokaryotic ribosomes are made only of rna, while eukaryotic ribosomes are made of rna and proteins.

Explanation:

Ribosomes are key for protein synthesis. Prokaryotic ribosomes (70S) differ in size and structure from eukaryotic ribosomes (80S). Antibiotics like tetracycline selectively bind bacterial ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria without harming eukaryotic cells.

Answer:

b. Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller and different from eukaryotic ribosomes, allowing antibiotics to selectively bind bacterial ribosomes preventing protein synthesis.