What is the mechanism of action for antimetabolites used in chemotherapy?

Antimetabolites in chemotherapy are designed to interfere with the normal processes of cell division and growth. Their mechanism of action involves mimicking natural substances that are essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. By incorporating themselves into the metabolic pathways, antimetabolites disrupt the synthesis of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. This disruption prevents cancer cells from replicating effectively and can lead to cell death, particularly in rapidly dividing cells, which is a hallmark of many cancer types.

The function of antimetabolites highlights their role in targeting the biochemical processes necessary for cancer cell proliferation, making them a key component in the treatment of various malignancies.