Which one of the following categories for antibacterial agents is most likely to have toxic side effects for humans? a) disruptors of cell membrane structure Ob) inhibitors of cell wall synthesis c) inhibitors of protein synthesis d) antimetabolites

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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**Question:**

Which one of the following categories for antibacterial agents is most likely to have toxic side effects for humans?

a) Disruptors of cell membrane structure  
b) Inhibitors of cell wall synthesis  
c) Inhibitors of protein synthesis  
d) Antimetabolites  
e) Inhibitors of DNA synthesis  

**Explanation:**

The question is assessing the understanding of different classes of antibacterial agents and their potential toxic side effects on humans. Each option represents a different mechanism by which antibacterial agents function:

- **Disruptors of cell membrane structure:** These agents can affect human cell membranes similarly to bacterial ones, leading to toxicity.
- **Inhibitors of cell wall synthesis:** These agents are generally considered safer for humans as human cells lack a cell wall.
- **Inhibitors of protein synthesis:** They target bacterial ribosomes, but can affect human mitochondrial ribosomes, which can lead to toxicity.
- **Antimetabolites:** These agents interfere with bacterial metabolism and can have off-target effects in human cells.
- **Inhibitors of DNA synthesis:** They can affect both bacterial and human DNA synthesis, thus posing a risk of toxicity.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development and use of safe antibacterial therapies.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** Which one of the following categories for antibacterial agents is most likely to have toxic side effects for humans? a) Disruptors of cell membrane structure b) Inhibitors of cell wall synthesis c) Inhibitors of protein synthesis d) Antimetabolites e) Inhibitors of DNA synthesis **Explanation:** The question is assessing the understanding of different classes of antibacterial agents and their potential toxic side effects on humans. Each option represents a different mechanism by which antibacterial agents function: - **Disruptors of cell membrane structure:** These agents can affect human cell membranes similarly to bacterial ones, leading to toxicity. - **Inhibitors of cell wall synthesis:** These agents are generally considered safer for humans as human cells lack a cell wall. - **Inhibitors of protein synthesis:** They target bacterial ribosomes, but can affect human mitochondrial ribosomes, which can lead to toxicity. - **Antimetabolites:** These agents interfere with bacterial metabolism and can have off-target effects in human cells. - **Inhibitors of DNA synthesis:** They can affect both bacterial and human DNA synthesis, thus posing a risk of toxicity. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the development and use of safe antibacterial therapies.
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