effects of household substances on bacterial growth Flashcards
what is an antibiotic?
a substance that interferes with bacterial growth
what do antibiotics usually target?
organelles
how do antibiotics work?
interfere with ribosome function
interfere with protein synthesis
interfere with cell wall production
what is antibiotic resistance?
when bacteria have a mechanism to avoid the harmful effects of antibiotics
where is the antibiotic resistance gene stored?
usually on a plasmid
name 4 ways bacteria become antibiotic resistant
mutagen
conjugation
acquire gene from surroundings
viral infection
name 3 ways bacteria combats antibiotics
transport pumps move antibiotics out of the cell
enzymes break down the antibiotic
enzymes alter antibiotic into something less harmful
what happens when an antibiotic or antibacterial substance is used?
bacteria die (both good and bad)
where are bacteria?
they are all around us
they cover our “surfaces” that come into contact with the environment
what happens with antibiotics and antibacterial substances are used incorrectly or unnecessarily?
good bacteria die
some harmful bacteria survive due to resistance
what happens when some harmful bacteria survive due to resistance?
harmful bacteria are able to multiply without any competition from good bacteria
the antibiotic resistant bacteria can spread to other people
what are some future strategies against antibiotic resistant bacteria?
blocking transport protein (making them unable to pump the antibiotic out of the cell)
what can the public do to combat bacteria?
don't demand antibiotics finish prescriptions avoid using antibacterial products wash all food before eating cook meat products properly clean using basic soaps
