Question

How do antifungal medications called Azole interfere with ergosterol?

1) They inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol
2) They promote the synthesis of ergosterol
3) They destroy the ergosterol molecules
4) They have no effect on ergosterol

Answer 1

Azole antifungal medications inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, providing a selective and effective treatment for fungal infections by targeting a component not found in human cell membranes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Azole antifungal medications function by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. By targeting the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, azoles cause disruption to the cell membrane that is critical for fungal survival and growth. This mode of action is effective because ergosterol is analogous to cholesterol in human cell membranes, but human cells do not synthesize ergosterol, making the drug's action selective for fungi.

Examples of azoles include imidazoles and triazoles, which are used to treat a variety of fungal infections. Imidazoles, such as miconazole and ketoconazole, and triazoles, like fluconazole, target different stages of the ergosterol production pathway. This selective inhibition offers a therapeutic advantage as it minimizes the effects on human cells, thereby reducing the potential for toxic side effects compared to other antifungal drugs.