How does streptomycin kill bacterial cells?

Answer:
Streptomycin is a protein synthesis inhibitor. It binds to the S12 Protein of the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, interfering with the binding of formyl-methionyl-tRNA to the 30S subunit. This prevents initiation of protein synthesis and leads to death of microbial cells. Humans have structurally different ribosomes from bacteria, thereby allowing the selectivity of this antibiotic for bacteria. However at low concentrations Streptomycin only inhibits growth of the bacteria by inducing prokaryotic ribosomes to misread mRNA. It is an antibiotic that inhibits both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and is a therefore a useful broad spectrum antibiotic
First answer by Rreinard. Last edit by Rreinard. Contributor trust: 5 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 0 [recommend question].