6.7 How do Antibiotics work?

Question 1

What are the two types of antibiotics?

Answer 1

1. Bactericidal

2. Bacteriostatic

Question 2

What do Bactericidal antibiotics do?

Answer 2

Bactericidal antibiotics destroy bacteria.

Question 3

What do Bacteriostatic antibiotics do?

Answer 3

Bacteriostatic antibiotics prevent the multiplication of bacteria. The host’s own immune system can then destroy the pathogens.

Question 4

How do antibiotics disrupt bacterial cell growth and division?

Answer 4

1. Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.
2. Disruption of the cell membrane.
3. Inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis.
4. Inhibition of protein synthesis.
5. Inhibition of specific enzymes.

Question 5

1. Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Answer 5

If a weak wall forms, this can lead to lysis (bursting) of the cell.

Question 6

2. Disruption of the cell membrane.

Answer 6

Causing changes in permeability that lead to cell lysis.

Question 7

3. Inhibition of protein synthesis.

Answer 7

Meaning enzymes and other essential proteins are not produced.

Question 8

4. Inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis, replication and transcription.

Answer 8

This prevents cell division and or synthesis of enzymes