Which of the following pairs is mismatched?
a. antihelminthic—inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation
b. antihelminthic—inhibition of cell wall synthesis
c. antifungal—injury to plasma membrane
d. antifungal—inhibition of mitosis
e. antiviral—inhibition of DNA synthesis

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the function of each type of drug: antihelminthic, antifungal, and antiviral.
2. Understand the mechanism of action for each drug type: oxidative phosphorylation, cell wall synthesis, plasma membrane injury, mitosis inhibition, and DNA synthesis inhibition.
3. Match each drug type with its correct mechanism of action based on your knowledge of microbiology.
4. Determine which pair does not logically fit based on the known mechanisms of action for each drug type.
5. Select the mismatched pair from the options provided.

Key Concepts

Antihelminthic Mechanisms

Antihelminthic drugs are used to treat infections caused by helminths (parasitic worms). Their mechanisms of action can include inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, which disrupts the energy production in the parasites, and interference with their ability to synthesize essential components like cell walls. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for identifying mismatched pairs in the question.

Antifungal Actions

Antifungal agents target specific structures or functions in fungal cells. Common mechanisms include causing injury to the plasma membrane, which can lead to cell lysis, and inhibiting mitosis, which prevents fungal cell division. Recognizing these actions helps in determining the correct pairings of drug types and their effects.

Antiviral Strategies

Antiviral drugs are designed to inhibit various stages of viral replication, including the synthesis of viral DNA or RNA. These drugs can target viral enzymes or host cell processes that viruses exploit. Understanding the specific actions of antiviral agents is essential for evaluating their effectiveness and identifying any mismatches in the provided options.