How does INH exert its antibacterial effects?

Isoniazid (INH) exerts its antibacterial effects primarily by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids, which are essential components of the cell wall in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This selective action disrupts the structural integrity of the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and ultimately the death of the bacterium. Unlike other antibiotics that may target processes such as protein synthesis or DNA replication, INH's specific mechanism of targeting the cell wall is particularly effective against the unique lipid-rich cell wall of mycobacteria.

The efficacy of INH in treating tuberculosis is due to its ability to interfere with a vital component of the bacterial cellular architecture, making this option the most accurate representation of its antibacterial action.