The Question is from neet-botany biological-classification , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

The fungal cell membrane contains ergosterol, a sterol unique to fungi.  Many antifungal drugs target ergosterol.  Why is this a viable strategy for antifungal therapy?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Selective toxicity of antifungal drugs
 **Related Topics**: Cell membrane structure, fungal physiology, drug mechanisms
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of cell membranes and drug action.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Fungal cell membranes contain ergosterol.
  Human cells contain cholesterol.
  Antifungal drugs target ergosterol.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the key difference between fungal and human cell membranes.
  Reasoning:  The question highlights that ergosterol is unique to fungi, while human cells use cholesterol.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, this is a conceptual understanding question.
 2. Consider how targeting ergosterol could selectively affect fungal cells.
  Working:  If a drug targets ergosterol, it will disrupt the fungal cell membrane's integrity.  Since human cells lack ergosterol, the drug will have minimal effect on them.
  Key Point: The selectivity is crucial for minimizing side effects in antifungal therapy.
 3. Evaluate the given options to find the one that best explains this selective toxicity.
  Result: Option B accurately describes this mechanism.
  Verification: Option B aligns with the understanding that ergosterol is specific to fungal membranes, and targeting it causes selective damage.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Ergosterol is not primarily involved in cell wall synthesis.  The cell wall is a distinct structure from the cell membrane.
B ✓: This correctly explains the selective toxicity of antifungal drugs targeting ergosterol.  It disrupts the fungal membrane without harming human cells significantly.
C :x: Ergosterol is not an enzyme; it's a sterol component of the cell membrane.
D :x: While ergosterol might indirectly influence fungal reproduction, its primary role is in maintaining membrane integrity.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing ergosterol with a component of the cell wall instead of the cell membrane: Focus on the specific location and function of ergosterol.
  2.Failing to understand the concept of selective toxicity:  A good antifungal drug must harm the fungus without causing significant harm to the human host.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that ergosterol is a fungal-specific sterol found in the cell membrane.
  2.Focus on the difference between fungal and mammalian cell membranes to understand the mechanism of action of antifungal drugs.

NISHANTH · Answer

Ergosterol is essential for fungal cell wall synthesis, and its inhibition weakens the cell wall.

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Targeting ergosterol disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity without significantly affecting human cells, which contain cholesterol."

NISHANTH · Answer

Ergosterol is a key enzyme in fungal metabolic pathways, and its inhibition disrupts essential cellular processes.

NISHANTH · Answer

Ergosterol is involved in fungal reproduction, and its inhibition prevents fungal growth and spread.

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