Question

Which of the following statements are correct about antibiotics?

• A. They are produced from bacteria and fungi.
• B. They can kill disease-causing microorganisms.
• C. They are only used by humans.
• D. Penicillin is the most effective against viral infections.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

They can kill disease-causing microorganisms.

• Antibiotics are medicines that kill or stop the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.
• These days, a large number of antibiotics are produced from bacteria and fungi. Antibiotics like streptomycin, tetracycline and erythromycin are all made from fungi and bacteria.
• Antibiotics are mixed with the feed of livestock and poultry to check microbial infection in animals. They are also used to control many plant diseases.
• Antibiotics, like Penicillin are not effective against viral infections. Antibiotics work by destroying the cell wall of bacteria or target the growth machinery of bacteria. Viruses do not possess any cell wall. This is the reason why antibiotics are not effective against viruses.