Final answer:
The 3 mechanisms of action of antifungals are disruption of ergosterol synthesis, binding to ergosterol, and targeting cell wall components.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 3 mechanisms of action of antifungals are:
- Disruption of ergosterol synthesis:
- Antifungal drugs interfere with the synthesis of ergosterol, which is a sterol found in fungal cell membranes but not in human cells. By targeting ergosterol synthesis, antifungals disrupt the function of the cell membrane.
- Binding to ergosterol: Some antifungal drugs bind to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, which disrupts the integrity of the membrane and leads to cell death.
- Targeting cell wall components: Certain antifungal medications target specific components of the fungal cell wall, such as chitin.
- By interfering with cell wall integrity, these drugs impair fungal growth and reproduction