Question

1). In the event of a eukaryotic pathogen, discuss a way that you could potentially treat the pathogen while minimizing damage to the eukaryotic cells of the host? 1a). How (mechanism of action) does broad spectrum antibiotics disrupt the bacterial cell wall using its Beta-Lactam structure?

Answer 1

1. being eukaryotes the metabolism and overall cell str. of eukaryotic pathogen is similar to our own. similar metabolism in eukaryotic pathogen means similar enzyme and it is more difficult to treat and find drug that selectively kill these pathogen. there are some eukaryotic pathogen are listed.

for eg. fungal infection (ringworm) , helminths, protozoan like (plasmodium, toxoplasm gondii)

many antifungal medicines takes advantage of the fact that fungal cell membrane contains ergosterol insted of cholesterol and therefore, target ergosterol or irs precursor.

the first line medication of malaria is chloroquine.

selecting targets from eukaryotic parasites for str. genomics and drug discovery.

1a. The beta-lactam ring works by covalently binding to a penicillin binding protein called transpeptidase. Transpeptidase requured in the cross-linking of peptidoglycan in a gram-positive bacterium's cell wall. thus inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis for bacterial cell wall. ultimate result in to inhibition of cell wall synthesis.