Many antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Investigators have isolated a promising new compound and wish to determine its mechanism of action. Using a cell-free translation system similar to the ones originally used to deduce the genetic code, the researchers incubate their drug with the synthetic polynucleotide 5'-AUGUUUUUUUUU.In the absence of the drug, this polynucleotide directs the synthesis of the peptide Met-Phe-Phe-Phe. When the drug is added, only the peptide Met-Phe is produced. Based on this observation, which is most likely the mechanism of action of this potential new antibiotic?

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