Question

An antibiotic such as penicillin

• A. Kills pathogenic bacteria
• B. Prevents pathogenic bacteria from reproducing
• C. Works against infectious viruses
• D. Inhibits the reproduction of retroviruses
• E. Both A and B

Answer 1

The correct option is E Both A and B

Antibiotics function by blocking vital processes in bacteria, killing the bacteria, or stopping them from multiplying. This helps the body's natural immune system to fight the bacterial infection. Antibiotics that affect a wide range of bacteria are called as broad spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin and gentamicin). Antibiotics that affect only a few types of bacteria are called as narrow-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., penicillin). Penicillin is bactericidal. A bactericidal antibiotic usually either interferes with the formation of the bacterium's cell wall or its cell contents. A bacteriostatic antibiotic stops bacteria from multiplying. An antibiotic is given for the treatment of an infection caused by bacteria. Antibiotics target microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites. However, they are not effective against viruses.