*Corynebacterium diphtheriae* produces a toxin that inhibits protein synthesis in host cells by inactivating elongation factor-2 (EF-2). This mechanism directly impacts which cellular process?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Elongation factor-2 (EF-2) is crucial for the translocation step during ribosomal protein synthesis (translation). Inactivation of EF-2 by diphtheria toxin halts protein production, leading to cell death.