Question

How do most anti-fungal agents primarily exert their antifungal effect?

A) Inhibition of RNA transcription
B) Disruption of cell wall synthesis
C) Interference with cytoplasmic membrane function
D) Blocking protein synthesis

Answer 1

Most anti-fungal agents primarily exert their antifungal effect by disruption of cell wall synthesis. This is because fungi use ergosterol in their cell membranes, while humans use cholesterol.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most anti-fungal agents primarily exert their antifungal effect by disruption of cell wall synthesis. Antifungals target the differences in biochemical pathways that synthesize sterols, which are important for maintaining membrane fluidity and function. Fungi use ergosterol in their cell membranes, while humans use cholesterol. Therefore, antifungal drugs that disrupt ergosterol synthesis are selectively toxic to fungi.