Question

Which statement best describes mechanism of action of azole?

• A. Synthesis of ergosterol
• B. Thymidylate synthase
• C. Targeting Beta-1,3 – glucan
• D. Disruption of cell wall

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The azole class of antifungal agents primarily works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. Ergosterol is similar to cholesterol in human cells and plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the fungal cell membrane.

The azole drugs achieve this by targeting the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase, also known as CYP51. This enzyme is a cytochrome P450 enzyme involved in the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol. By inhibiting lanosterol 14α-demethylase, azoles disrupt the production of ergosterol, leading to an accumulation of toxic sterol intermediates and resulting in increased membrane permeability and ultimately, cell death.

Thus, the statement that best describes the mechanism of action of azole is Synthesis of ergosterol.