Describe the cellular structures or processes that can be targets of antimicrobi

In general, there are two types of cellular targets for antimicrobial agents. One type of target is the variety of cellular molecules and structures that make up the cell. These include such structures as the cytoplasmic membrane and the cell wall, either of which can be damaged by various types of antimicrobial agents. When these structures are damaged, the cell loses control over the entry and exit of molecules, or it succumbs to the forces of osmotic pressure on its overall structure. The disruption of the cell's osmotic balance due to problems with the cell wall or cell membrane can disable virtually all cellular chemical reactions, because most of them depend on water. Proteins and nucleic acids can also be a target of antimicrobial agents, which directly alter these molecules either by denaturation, in the case of proteins, or by mutation, in the case of DNA molecules. Damage to these types of targets impairs the ability of the cell to function. Denaturation of enzymes can disrupt a variety of metabolic pathways, which, in turn, can inhibit the growth of the cell or even kill it. Mutations in DNA molecules can influence metabolic pathways and other cellular functions and may be extensive enough that the microbe ceases to function (dies).