Textbook Question
Which of the following is not used to identify true fungal pathogens?
a. Growth at 25°C and 37°C to show dimorphism
b. GMS staining of infected tissues
c. Serological testing
d. Clinical symptoms alone
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Ch. 22 - Pathogenic Fungi
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - A Brief History of Microbiology31
- Ch. 2 - The Chemistry of Microbiology28
- Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function39
- Ch. 4 - Microscopy, Staining, and Classification25
- Ch. 5 - Microbial Metabolism51
- Ch. 6 - Microbial Nutrition and Growth37
- Ch. 7 - Microbial Genetics51
- Ch. 8 - Recombinant DNA Technology21
- Ch. 9 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment36
- Ch. 10 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Body: Antimicrobial Drugs21
- Ch. 11 - Characterizing and Classifying Prokaryotes29
- Ch. 12 - Characterizing and Classifying Eukaryotes34
- Ch. 13 - Characterizing and Classifying Viruses, Viroids, and Prions23
- Ch. 14 - Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology35
- Ch. 15 - Innate Immunity34
- Ch. 16 - Adaptive Immunity21
- Ch. 17 - Immunization and Immune Testing29
- Ch. 18 - Immune Disorders22
- Ch. 19 - Pathogenic Gram-Positive Bacteria25
- Ch. 20 - Pathogenic Gram-Negative Cocci and Bacilli28
- Ch. 21 - Rickettsias, Chlamydias, Spirochetes, and Vibrios25
- Ch. 22 - Pathogenic Fungi47
- Ch. 23 - Parasitic Protozoa, Helminths, and Arthropod Vectors44
- Ch. 24 - Pathogenic DNA Viruses23
- Ch. 25 - Pathogenic RNA Viruses30
- Ch. 26 - Applied and Industrial Microbiology29
- Ch. 27 - Microbial Ecology and Microbiomes22
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 22, Problem 3
Many antifungal agents target the compound _____ in fungal cytoplasmic membranes.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the key component in fungal cytoplasmic membranes that is unique or significantly different from those in human cells, making it a target for antifungal agents.
Recall that fungal membranes contain a sterol called ergosterol, which plays a similar role to cholesterol in human cell membranes.
Understand that many antifungal drugs, such as azoles and polyenes, specifically target ergosterol or its biosynthesis pathway to disrupt fungal cell membrane integrity.
Recognize that targeting ergosterol helps to selectively affect fungal cells without harming human cells, due to the difference in membrane sterols.
Conclude that the compound targeted by many antifungal agents in fungal cytoplasmic membranes is ergosterol.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Fungal Cytoplasmic Membrane Composition
Fungal cytoplasmic membranes contain unique sterols, primarily ergosterol, which differ from cholesterol found in animal cells. This distinct composition is crucial for membrane fluidity and integrity, making it a specific target for antifungal drugs.
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Ergosterol as an Antifungal Target
Ergosterol is a key sterol in fungal membranes that maintains membrane structure and function. Many antifungal agents disrupt ergosterol synthesis or bind directly to it, compromising membrane integrity and leading to fungal cell death.
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Mechanism of Action of Antifungal Agents
Antifungal drugs often work by inhibiting enzymes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis or by binding ergosterol to form pores. This disrupts membrane permeability, causing leakage of cellular contents and ultimately killing the fungal cell.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Because amphotericin B is toxic to humans, most clinicians prescribe it only for ______.
a. dermatophyte infections
b. Malassezia infections
c. systemic infections
d. mushroom poisoning
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Textbook Question
AIDS patients usually die of bacterial, fungal, or microsporidial infections. Why do so many fungal infections appear in these individuals, and why are mycoses severe while fungi, for the most part, are benign residents of the environment?
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Textbook Question
Given that superficial fungal infections are only on the surface, why is it necessary to even try to identify the source of infection?
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Textbook Question
Indicate whether each statement is true or false. If the statement is false, change the underlined word or phrase to make the statement true.
_____ Dermatophytoses are always contracted from the environment.
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Textbook Question
Indicate whether each statement is true or false. If the statement is false, change the underlined word or phrase to make the statement true.
_____ Chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis are both caused by dark-pigmented ascomycetes.
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