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IGCSE Biology: Understanding Drugs and Antibiotics

Drugs are substances that modify chemical reactions in the body, with antibiotics specifically used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. However, some bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics, diminishing their effectiveness, and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Limiting antibiotic use to essential cases can help prevent the development of resistant bacteria like MRSA.

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48 views1 page

IGCSE Biology: Understanding Drugs and Antibiotics

Drugs are substances that modify chemical reactions in the body, with antibiotics specifically used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. However, some bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics, diminishing their effectiveness, and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Limiting antibiotic use to essential cases can help prevent the development of resistant bacteria like MRSA.

Uploaded by

marcelwerion
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

IGCSE Biology - Topic 15: Drugs

15.1 Drugs

1. Describe a drug as any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions

in the body

Answer: A drug is a substance that changes or affects chemical reactions in the body.

2. Describe the use of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections

Answer: Antibiotics are used to kill or stop the growth of bacteria that cause infections.

3. State that some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics which reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics

Answer: Some bacteria have evolved resistance to antibiotics, making them less effective.

4. State that antibiotics kill bacteria but do not affect viruses

Answer: Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria; they do not kill viruses.

5. Explain how using antibiotics only when essential can limit the development of resistant bacteria

such as MRSA

Answer: Using antibiotics only when needed reduces the chance of bacteria developing resistance, such as

MRSA.

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