IB Biology HL C3.2.13 Antibiotics Questions

Explore how antibiotic compounds inhibit bacterial processes without harming eukaryotic cells, and how antivirals target viral replication in IB Biology HL C3.2.13.

Exam points

Explain that antibiotics selectively block bacterial metabolic or cellular processes that are absent from eukaryotic cells.
Explain why antibiotics do not treat viral disease: viruses lack the bacterial processes that antibiotics target.

[Maximum number: 2]

The figure shows a transmission electron micrograph of rotavirus particles. Each rotavirus is about 70 nanometres in diameter.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL C3.2.13 Antibiotics Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

Rotavirus causes diarrhea and vomiting. Explain why viral diseases cannot be treated using antibiotics.

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IB Biology HL C3.2.13 Antibiotics Questions question 1