Question:
Natamycin is effective against fungal cells because it causes cell lysis by binding to
Natamycin is effective against fungal cells because it causes cell lysis by binding to
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Natamycin binds selectively to fungal ergosterol, making it an effective surface antifungal on cheese and sausages.
Updated On: Sep 15, 2026
- Phospholipids
- Ergosterol
- Peptidoglycan
- Plasma membrane
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Natamycin (pimaricin, food additive E235) is a naturally occurring polyene macrolide antifungal agent produced by Streptomyces natalensis.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Natamycin exhibits high and specific binding affinity for ergosterol, the principal sterol component of fungal cell membranes (absent in bacterial cell walls, which have peptidoglycan).
By binding specifically to ergosterol, natamycin inhibits amino acid and glucose transport proteins and destabilizes membrane permeability, causing cell lysis in yeasts and moulds without affecting bacteria.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, natamycin causes fungal cell lysis by binding to ergosterol.
Natamycin (pimaricin, food additive E235) is a naturally occurring polyene macrolide antifungal agent produced by Streptomyces natalensis.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Natamycin exhibits high and specific binding affinity for ergosterol, the principal sterol component of fungal cell membranes (absent in bacterial cell walls, which have peptidoglycan).
By binding specifically to ergosterol, natamycin inhibits amino acid and glucose transport proteins and destabilizes membrane permeability, causing cell lysis in yeasts and moulds without affecting bacteria.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, natamycin causes fungal cell lysis by binding to ergosterol.
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