Notes on Anti-Malarial Drugs Mechanism (via Chart) and MCQ for GPAT, NIPERJEE, NEETPG and Nursing exams

Notes on Anti-Malarial Drugs Mechanism (via Chart)

Lifecycle of Plasmodium

1. Mosquito Stage (Anopheles bite)

   • Injects sporozoites into human bloodstream.

2. Liver Stage (Hepatic)

   • Sporozoites → liver cells → schizonts → merozoites.

3. Blood Stage (Erythrocytic)

   • Merozoites infect RBCs → trophozoites → schizonts → burst and infect new RBCs.

   • Some differentiate into gametocytes.

4. Transmission Back to Mosquito

   • Gametocytes taken up by mosquito → sexual cycle continues.

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   • Mechanism of Anti-Malarial Drugs

     Drug Class	Mechanism	Examples
     Artemisinin	Produces free radicals → damage parasite proteins and membranes.	Dihydroartemisinin, Artesunate, Artemether
     Chloroquine	Inhibits heme polymerization → buildup of toxic heme kills parasite.	Chloroquine, Quinine
     Atovaquone	Inhibits mitochondrial electron transport → parasite can’t produce ATP.	Atovaquone, Proguanil

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   • MCQs on Anti-Malarial Drugs

   • 1. GET MORE MCQ: Click Here

     2. Which stage of the Plasmodium life cycle is targeted by most antimalarial drugs?
        A. Sporozoite
        B. Liver schizont
        C. Erythrocytic stage
        D. Gametocyte
        Answer: C

     3. What is the mechanism of action of Chloroquine?
        A. Mitochondrial inhibition
        B. Free radical generation
        C. Heme detoxification inhibition
        D. Protein synthesis inhibition
        Answer: C

     4. Which drug class includes Artesunate and Dihydroartemisinin?
        A. Quinolines
        B. Sulfonamides
        C. Artemisinins
        D. Biguanides
        Answer: C

     5. Atovaquone primarily targets which part of the parasite’s metabolism?
        A. Glycolysis
        B. Nucleic acid synthesis
        C. Mitochondrial electron transport chain
        D. Cytoskeletal assembly
        Answer: C

     6. Why is heme toxic to Plasmodium?
        A. It inhibits ATP synthase
        B. It damages membranes and enzymes
        C. It blocks protein synthesis
        D. It interferes with DNA replication
        Answer: B