Bacterial DNA Polymerase III (None)

Bacterial DNA Polymerase III is the primary enzyme responsible for DNA replication in bacteria. It catalyzes the addition of deoxyribonucleotides to a growing DNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction, using an existing strand as a template. While not directly targeted by metronidazole, its function is inhibited by the DNA damage caused by the reduced form of the drug. Metronidazole is a prodrug that becomes activated under anaerobic conditions, forming nitroso radicals that disrupt bacterial DNA, leading to cell death.

Metronidazole is converted to a nitroso radical that damages bacterial DNA, inhibiting DNA synthesis and leading to cell death.