Final answer:
Antifungal drugs like imidazoles (e.g., miconazole) and triazoles (e.g., fluconazole) work by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis, while allylamines (e.g., terbinafine) inhibit an earlier step in this process. Flucytosine, though not mentioned in the given references, is known to inhibit fungal DNA synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antifungal drugs function by targeting the unique components of fungal cells, with one of the primary targets being the disruption of cell membrane synthesis. A key component of this process is ergosterol, which is analogous to cholesterol in human cells. Several classes of antifungal drugs inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, which includes imidazoles and triazoles. An example of an imidazole is miconazole, which is commonly used for skin infections such as athlete’s foot. Triazole drugs, such as fluconazole, are also known to inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis and are used for systemic fungal infections like oral thrush.
Allylamines like terbinafine represent another class of antifungals that inhibit an earlier step in ergosterol biosynthesis. They are primarily applied topically for skin infections and may also be used orally for nail fungus treatment.
With respect to the inhibition of fungal DNA synthesis, there are drugs like flucytosine that act by interfering with fungal cellular processes to prevent DNA replication. However, flucytosine is not among the mentioned drugs; it is typically used in combination with other antifungals for treating systemic infections.