This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Chemotherapy: General Principles, Subject name: Pharmacology
Mechanism of action of protease inhibitors is: 
Select and explain. 
A. Prevents maturation of new viral particles, B. Prevents translation of viral RNA, C. Causes apoptosis of the affected cells, D. Inhibits proviral RNA synthesis
A: Prevents maturation of new viral particles
Answer: A: Prevents maturation of new viral particles 
Explanation: Ans. (A) Prevents maturation of new viral particles(Ref: KDT 7/e p809)Function of protease enzyme in HIV is to break inactive polyproteins to functional components. This post-translational modification is required for maturation of new viral particles. Protease inhibitors like atazanavir inhibit this step.