Chapter 15

Question 1

What is a Drug?

Answer 1

A drug is any substance taken into the
body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body.

Question 2

How do Antibiotics attack bacteria?

Answer 2

They target the cell walls, disrupting production.
>This prevents them from reproducing.
- Cause the cell to burst open.
- They interfere with protein synthesis, arresting bacterial growth.

Question 3

How come antibiotics dont damage human cells?

Answer 3

This is because animal cells DONT have a cell wall and their protein structures are different compared to bacteria.

Question 4

How come Antibiotics dont affect Viral Diseases? (Viruses)

Answer 4

This is because they dont have a cell wall, but rather a Protein coat, so the antibiotics wont affect them.
- Viruses also have a completely different cell structure.

Question 5

How do bacteria become resistant to antibiotics?

Answer 5

• When an antibiotic course is incomplete, some bacteria wont be killed and will be exposed to the drug.
• This way, drug-resistant mutants form, and when they reproduce, all offspring will be drug resistant.
• This makes an antibiotic less effective.

Question 6

What is MRSA?

Answer 6

MRSA is a type of bacteria that has developed resistance to many antibiotics.
- They may be referred to as ‘super bugs’ since theyre hard to treat.

Question 7

Where does MRSA come from?

Answer 7

The Staphylococcus aureus is very common, found living harmlessly on skin, nose, and throat and may cause mild infections.

Question 8

How does MRSA affect a person?

Answer 8

This bacteria may become dangerous and infect the internal organs if theres a break in skin.
- This causes Blood poisoning.

Question 9

What does MRSA stand for?

Answer 9

MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

Question 10

How can we reduce the risk of resistant bacteria developing?

Answer 10

• Only use antibiotics when essential.
• Complete an entire dose/course.