Mebendazole interferes with a worm's ability to utilize what substance?

Mebendazole interferes with a worm's ability to utilize what substance?

• A. Protein
• B. Glucose
• C. Oxygen
• D. Fatty acids

Answer: (B)

Mebendazole is an anthelmintic that primarily inhibits the polymerization of tubulin, which is essential for the formation of the microtubules in helminths (worms). By disrupting this process, mebendazole interferes with the worm's ability to utilize glucose effectively. Glucose is a primary energy source for many helminths, which rely on it for cellular functions, growth, and reproduction. When mebendazole hampers the metabolism related to glucose utilization, it results in a decreased capacity for the worms to generate ATP and perform necessary biological functions. This ultimately leads to the death of the parasites or to a significant reduction in their ability to thrive within the host. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific metabolic pathway that mebendazole targets, underscoring its mechanism of action as an effective treatment for parasitic infections.

Mebendazole is an anthelmintic that primarily inhibits the polymerization of tubulin, which is essential for the formation of the microtubules in helminths (worms). By disrupting this process, mebendazole interferes with the worm's ability to utilize glucose effectively. Glucose is a primary energy source for many helminths, which rely on it for cellular functions, growth, and reproduction.

When mebendazole hampers the metabolism related to glucose utilization, it results in a decreased capacity for the worms to generate ATP and perform necessary biological functions. This ultimately leads to the death of the parasites or to a significant reduction in their ability to thrive within the host. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific metabolic pathway that mebendazole targets, underscoring its mechanism of action as an effective treatment for parasitic infections.