Antimicrobials: practice question

A Pharmacology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pharmacology · Antimicrobials

Sample item

Which mechanism confers methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Altered penicillin-binding protein

MRSA carries an altered penicillin-binding protein with reduced affinity for beta-lactams, allowing cell-wall synthesis despite methicillin exposure.

Option by option

  • A. Loss of ribosomal RNA

    Ribosomal changes affect other antibiotic classes.

  • B. Inhibition of DNA gyrase

    DNA gyrase is targeted by fluoroquinolones.

  • C. Increased folate synthesis

    Folate synthesis is targeted by sulfonamides.

  • D. Altered penicillin-binding protein (correct)

    Correct: modified target PBP drives methicillin resistance.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pharmacology questions

Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is D, Altered penicillin-binding protein. MRSA carries an altered penicillin-binding protein with reduced affinity for beta-lactams, allowing cell-wall synthesis despite methicillin exposure.

Why is "Loss of ribosomal RNA" not the answer?

Ribosomal changes affect other antibiotic classes.

Why is "Inhibition of DNA gyrase" not the answer?

DNA gyrase is targeted by fluoroquinolones.

Why is "Increased folate synthesis" not the answer?

Folate synthesis is targeted by sulfonamides.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Antimicrobials in Pharmacology. The correct option holds because: Correct: modified target PBP drives methicillin resistance.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Antimicrobials?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.