Bacterial and fungal nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) (DNA/RNA)

Bacterial and fungal nucleic acids, encompassing both deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), are the fundamental molecules responsible for the storage and expression of genetic information in microorganisms. These nucleic acids are essential for all cellular processes, including replication, transcription, and translation, making them vital targets for antimicrobial therapy (Goy et al., 2009). Low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) acts as an antimicrobial agent by penetrating the microbial cell wall and binding to these nucleic acids through electrostatic interactions between its cationic amino groups and the negatively charged phosphate groups of the DNA/RNA backbone (Raafat & Sahl, 2009). This binding effectively inhibits the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA) by blocking the movement of RNA polymerase, thereby halting protein production and leading to microbial growth inhibition or cell death (Liu et al., 2001). Targeting microbial nucleic acids is a fundamental strategy in treating bacterial and fungal infections, although achieving high selectivity to avoid host toxicity remains a key consideration in drug development.

Other names

Microbial DNAMicrobial RNABacterial genomeFungal genomeProkaryotic and eukaryotic microbial nucleic acids

Electrostatic binding to the phosphate backbone of DNA and RNA, which inhibits transcription (mRNA synthesis) and translation processes.