Which statement accurately describes the action of Erythromycin?

Erythromycin is an antibiotic that functions by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It achieves this by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which interferes with the translocation steps in protein synthesis. As a result, the production of proteins, which are essential for bacterial growth and function, is effectively halted.

This mechanism of action is crucial because it helps control bacterial infections by targeting one of the fundamental processes necessary for bacterial survival. Erythromycin is often used to treat a variety of infections caused by both gram-positive and certain gram-negative bacteria, though it is more commonly effective against gram-positive organisms.

Other options present statements that do not accurately describe Erythromycin's action. For instance, it does not bind irreversibly to the ribosome subunit; rather, it binds reversibly, allowing for the potential of other antibiotics to act subsequently. Furthermore, Erythromycin is not limited to only gram-negative bacteria, and it does not work by increasing cell membrane permeability.