Question 1: Explain in your own words how antibiotics work to combat bacterial infections.

Answer: Antibiotics work by targeting specific features of bacteria, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production, which are not present in human cells, thereby killing or inhibiting bacterial growth.

Question 1: Name two mechanisms by which antibiotics kill bacteria.

Answer: Inhibiting cell wall synthesis and blocking protein production.

Question 2: Fill in the blank: Antibiotics such as penicillin inhibit the formation of the bacterial ________, causing the bacteria to burst.

Answer: cell wall

Question 1: A patient is prescribed 500 mg of an antibiotic to be taken twice daily for 7 days. Calculate the total amount of antibiotic the patient will consume over the course of the treatment.

Answer: 7000 mg

Question 2: If an antibiotic solution contains 250 mg in 5 mL, how many millilitres should be administered to deliver a dose of 1 gram?

Answer: 20 mL

Question 1: Describe the key safety precautions that should be taken when handling antibiotics in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wearing gloves and eye protection, avoiding ingestion or inhalation, and proper disposal of antibiotic waste.

Question 2: Design a simple experiment to test the effectiveness of a new antibiotic against bacteria. Identify the independent and dependent variables, and mention at least two safety precautions.

Answer: The experiment involves applying the antibiotic to bacterial cultures and observing growth inhibition. The independent variable is the antibiotic concentration, and the dependent variable is bacterial growth. Safety precautions include sterilising equipment to prevent contamination and wearing protective gear to avoid contact with bacteria or antibiotics.

Question 1: In a study, it was observed that increasing the dosage of an antibiotic from 250 mg to 500 mg resulted in a 40% increase in bacterial death rate. Explain what this suggests about the relationship between dosage and effectiveness.

Answer: It suggests that higher doses of the antibiotic increase its effectiveness up to a certain point, indicating a dose-response relationship.

Question 1: Discuss the impact of overusing antibiotics on bacterial resistance and how this affects treatment options.

Answer: Overusing antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are no longer affected by standard treatments. This resistance makes infections harder to treat, increases healthcare costs, and can lead to higher mortality rates. Responsible use and development of new antibiotics are essential to combat resistance.

Question 2: Identify one technological advancement that has improved the development or delivery of antibiotics in recent years.

Answer: The use of genetic sequencing technology to identify new antibiotic targets more quickly.