Bacterial cells are markedly different from eukaryotic cells in many aspects. Di

Question

Bacterial cells are markedly different from eukaryotic cells in many aspects. Differences in these cells are the foundation of drug development as researchers look for ways to combat bacterial infections in humans. For this unit's Discussion, imagine that you have been asked to design a drug that will target and destroy a broad spectrum of bacteria. You will need to identify two cellular parts of a prokaryotic cell (e.g., ribosomes, etc.) as targets for this drug 1. What two cellular structures would you target? Why did you choose these targets? 2. Would your drug be harmful to human cells? Why or why not? 3. Would this drug also be effective against parasitic and fungal infections? Why or why not? 4. Now, respond to your classmates and comment on the potential effectiveness of the drug they have selected, and offer potential pros and cons of the drug Start a New Thread

Explanation / Answer

Answer:

1) What two cellular structures would you target? Why did you choose these targets?

2) Would your drug be harmful to human cells? Why or why not?

Drug that is developed against Target 1 (bacterial cell wall) will not be harmful to human cells as eukaryotic cell lack a cell wall. Drug that is developed against target 2 (disruption of DNA structure) has the potential to be harmful to human cells. Drugs with specialized features in this case can be selected that are not harmful to human cells. For example Metronidazole is not harmful to humans because it can only be reduced in anerobic cells (partial reduction is required for this drug to be effective). As a result it is safe for human cells.

3) Would this drug also be effective against parasitic and fungal infections? Why or why not?

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