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Antifungal drugs might minimize side effects to humans by targeting which part of fungal cells? The chitin cell wall The cell division machinery The DNA replication machinery O The ribosome

Antifungal drugs might minimize side effects to humans by targeting which part of fungal cells? The chitin cell wall The cell division machinery The DNA replication machinery O The ribosome

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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### Antifungal Drugs and Fungal Cells: Minimizing Side Effects Antifungal drugs aim to treat fungal infections by targeting specific components of fungal cells. An important consideration in the development of these drugs is minimizing side effects to human cells. The following question and options explore this concept: **Question:** "Antifungal drugs might minimize side effects to humans by targeting which part of fungal cells?" **Options:** 1. The chitin cell wall 2. The cell division machinery 3. The DNA replication machinery 4. The ribosome #### Analysis: - **The Chitin Cell Wall:** Fungi possess a unique cell wall composed of chitin, a polymer not found in human cells. Targeting the chitin cell wall can specifically inhibit fungal growth without affecting human cells, thereby minimizing side effects. - **The Cell Division Machinery:** Both fungal and human cells have similar cell division processes. Targeting these mechanisms could potentially harm human cells as well. - **The DNA Replication Machinery:** Similar to cell division, DNA replication processes are conserved across many species, including humans and fungi. Drugs that inhibit DNA replication in fungi might also impact human cells. - **The Ribosome:** Ribosomes are the cellular machinery for protein synthesis and are highly conserved between fungi and humans. While there are differences in ribosomal RNA between eukaryotic species, targeting ribosomes could still result in significant side effects in humans. #### Conclusion: Targeting "The chitin cell wall" in fungal cells presents a strategic approach for antifungal drugs to minimize adverse effects on human cells, due to the absence of chitin in human physiology. This knowledge is crucial for students and professionals in fields like microbiology, pharmacology, and medicine, enhancing understanding of safer therapeutic interventions.
Transcribed Image Text:### Antifungal Drugs and Fungal Cells: Minimizing Side Effects Antifungal drugs aim to treat fungal infections by targeting specific components of fungal cells. An important consideration in the development of these drugs is minimizing side effects to human cells. The following question and options explore this concept: **Question:** "Antifungal drugs might minimize side effects to humans by targeting which part of fungal cells?" **Options:** 1. The chitin cell wall 2. The cell division machinery 3. The DNA replication machinery 4. The ribosome #### Analysis: - **The Chitin Cell Wall:** Fungi possess a unique cell wall composed of chitin, a polymer not found in human cells. Targeting the chitin cell wall can specifically inhibit fungal growth without affecting human cells, thereby minimizing side effects. - **The Cell Division Machinery:** Both fungal and human cells have similar cell division processes. Targeting these mechanisms could potentially harm human cells as well. - **The DNA Replication Machinery:** Similar to cell division, DNA replication processes are conserved across many species, including humans and fungi. Drugs that inhibit DNA replication in fungi might also impact human cells. - **The Ribosome:** Ribosomes are the cellular machinery for protein synthesis and are highly conserved between fungi and humans. While there are differences in ribosomal RNA between eukaryotic species, targeting ribosomes could still result in significant side effects in humans. #### Conclusion: Targeting "The chitin cell wall" in fungal cells presents a strategic approach for antifungal drugs to minimize adverse effects on human cells, due to the absence of chitin in human physiology. This knowledge is crucial for students and professionals in fields like microbiology, pharmacology, and medicine, enhancing understanding of safer therapeutic interventions.
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