Chapter 16, Problem 9Q

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The function of squalene epoxidase, and why it is effective to target for selective toxicity to the fungus and not to the host.

Concept introduction

Different antimicrobial drugs are effective against a wide variety of microbes like there are antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-protozoan drugs. These drugs inhibit microbes either by affecting their metabolism, causing damage to their cell membrane, inhibiting their nucleic acid synthesis, disruption of cell membranes and by inhibiting protein synthesis. The drugs that belong to the benzimidazole family have therapeutic use as an antifungal. These drugs are responsible for inhibiting microtubule synthesis and glucose uptake in fungal cells.