Which term refers to substances that kill off or slow the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms?

Which term refers to substances that kill off or slow the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Carbohydrates
• C. Immunity
• D. Water

Answer: (A)

Antibiotics are substances that kill bacteria or slow their growth. They can be bactericidal (killing) or bacteriostatic (inhibiting replication), and they fight infections by targeting specific bacterial processes, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production. They’re used to treat bacterial infections, but they don’t work against viruses. It’s also useful to distinguish them from antiseptics (which kill microbes on living tissue) and disinfectants (which kill on surfaces). The other options don’t fit because carbohydrates are nutrients, immunity is the body's defense system, and water is essential for life but not an antimicrobial.

Antibiotics are substances that kill bacteria or slow their growth. They can be bactericidal (killing) or bacteriostatic (inhibiting replication), and they fight infections by targeting specific bacterial processes, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production. They’re used to treat bacterial infections, but they don’t work against viruses. It’s also useful to distinguish them from antiseptics (which kill microbes on living tissue) and disinfectants (which kill on surfaces). The other options don’t fit because carbohydrates are nutrients, immunity is the body's defense system, and water is essential for life but not an antimicrobial.