Topic 3 - Inter-relationships: More About Drugs

Question 1

Explain why we are able to use some plant chemicals to treat infections.

Answer 1

Plants can produce chemicals that have antibacterial effects to protect themselves from pathogens. Humans use some of these chemicals in antibacterial products, e.g. tea tree oil.

Question 2

What are antiseptics used for?

Answer 2

Antiseptics are used outside the body to clean wounds or surfaces. They’re used to prevent the spread of infection rather than treat it.

Question 3

What are antibiotics?

Answer 3

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat infections.

Question 4

Name two different types of antibiotics and say what they’re used for.

Answer 4

E.g. antibacterials are used to treat bacterial infections and antifungals are used to treat fungal infections.