Question:medium
Which statement best describes the mechanism of action of azole antifungals?
Which statement best describes the mechanism of action of azole antifungals?
Show Hint
They block 14-alpha-demethylase in the ergosterol pathway.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Inhibition of synthesis of ergosterol
- Inhibition of thymidylate synthase
- Targeting beta-1,3-glucan
- Disruption of cell wall
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Fungal membranes rely on ergosterol the way human membranes rely on cholesterol, so blocking its supply cripples the organism. Step 2: Azoles work upstream in that pathway by inhibiting the P450 enzyme 14-alpha-lanosterol demethylase, halting the conversion of lanosterol toward ergosterol. Step 3: The consequence is twofold: ergosterol falls and toxic methylated sterol intermediates pile up in the membrane, leaving it leaky and non-functional, which kills susceptible yeasts and moulds. Step 4: Each wrong option names a different antifungal strategy: flucytosine hits thymidylate synthase, echinocandins block beta-1,3-glucan synthesis, and only polyenes and certain agents disrupt the membrane directly. So the azole mechanism is inhibition of ergosterol synthesis. \[\boxed{\text{Inhibition of synthesis of ergosterol}}\]
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