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Multiple Choice
Why do fungal cell walls make a good target for some antifungals?
A
Fungal cell walls are made of peptidoglycan, like bacterial cell walls.
B
Fungal cell walls are rich in phospholipids, making them easy to disrupt.
C
Fungal cell walls are composed of cellulose, similar to plant cells.
D
Fungal cell walls contain chitin, which is not found in human cells.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the composition of fungal cell walls: Fungal cell walls are primarily composed of chitin, a long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, which is a derivative of glucose.
Recognize the difference between fungal and human cells: Human cells do not contain chitin, making it a unique target for antifungal drugs.
Consider the role of chitin in fungal cell walls: Chitin provides structural support and rigidity to the fungal cell wall, similar to how cellulose functions in plant cell walls.
Identify why targeting chitin is effective: Since chitin is absent in human cells, drugs that target chitin synthesis or integrity can selectively affect fungal cells without harming human cells.
Conclude why fungal cell walls are a good target: The presence of chitin in fungal cell walls, and its absence in human cells, makes it an ideal target for antifungal treatments, minimizing potential side effects on human cells.