CAIE A-Level Biology AS 10.2.1 Penicillin Action on Bacteria Questions

In March 2019, a tropical cyclone in the south-west Indian Ocean caused widespread flooding in a number of countries.

The flooding and the damage caused by the cyclone meant that many people were at serious risk of cholera.

After the natural disaster occurred, many different areas reported outbreaks of cholera. Within a short time the disease had spread widely and large numbers of people were affected.

In addition to the standard treatment for cholera, antibiotics are recommended for people who are moderately ill or seriously ill with the disease.

Penicillin, which used to be prescribed for the treatment of cholera, has a different mechanism of action to doxycycline.

State which part of the bacterial cell is affected by the action of penicillin.