What are Antibiotics: Production, Uses and Examples

Antibiotics are the chemical substances obtained from various microorganisms that can be used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are one of the most essential things nowadays. These medicines are recommended by almost all good doctors to treat difficult diseases. However, these antimicrobial drugs are not very useful to kill certain microbes such as bacteria. Nonetheless, antibiotics are a great invention in the world of health and medication.

Keyterms: Antibiotics, diseases, bacteria, microbes, infections, Protozoan, microorganisms, Fermentation, Bacterial infections

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Antibiotics Definition

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Antibiotics are a kind of drug which is produced from certain organisms such as soil bacteria and fungus to combat and fight against certain other harmful microorganisms. Some antibiotics also have antiprotozoal substances which are effective against Protozoan infections. Antibiotics are almost like the barrier which protects our health against harmful bacterias and microbes.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics Production 

The process of producing Antibiotics is known as Fermentation. It is a chemical process where microorganisms are used to produce drugs. A large tank is used which contains the growth medium that provides essential nutrients for the growth of the microorganisms. The pH level and oxygen level are regularly checked and maintained in the fermentation tank which is very important for the production of antibiotics. Once, the drug is produced after a regular check-up. Next, the drug is purified and extracted carefully following a few crucial physical processes. Finally, the drug is converted into crystal form. Later the finished drug is cut based on the required weight and packaged accordingly.

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Uses of Antibiotics

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Antibiotics are a great invention and an amazing lifesaver. It has many uses, such as-

• Some drugs are used to prevent the growth of certain microorganisms which are harmful to our livelihood. The treatment provided by these drugs is known as Microbiostatic therapy.
• Some drugs provide Microbicidal therapy which is very effective in killing harmful organisms completely.
• Doctors prescribe antibiotics to cure minor to major diseases.
• Even some antibiotics are useful for increasing our strength and providing us with the basic nutrients which are essential for our health

Example of Antibiotics

• Quinolones - Quinolones is considered to be another kind of antibiotic that possesses the ability to suppress or kill bacteria. Quinolones are made from nalidixic acid, a synthetic compound. It is considered to be the primary treatment for any bacterial treatment affecting the urinary tract. It is also quite potent for bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia.
• Penicillin- Surprisingly, Penicillin is an accidental discovery and the first-ever true antibiotic drug. It was discovered by a Scottish bacteriologist, Fleming in 1928. It is produced from a mold known as Penicillium Notatum. It is used to treat various bacterial infections such as Plague.

Types of Penicillin

1. Penicillin VK - It is used to prevent bacterial infections such as Ear infection, throat infection, and skin infection.
2. Penicillin G - Used to prevent bacterial infections which are caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative cocci. Bacterial infections can be detrimental to our precious health, so Penicillin G is extremely useful.

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Strain Improvement in Antibiotics or Drug Production

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The set of techniques that are used to modify the biological characteristics of a living organism is known as Genetic Engineering. Examples of Genetic Engineering are Recombinant DNA Technology and Microinjection. Recombinant DNA technology is a technology by which an improved genetic strain of antibiotics is produced. Such antibiotics are more effective in curing strong and difficult diseases.

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Role of Antibodies in Antibiotics

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The antibody is a protective protein that protects our immune system from any foreign substance known as an antigen. Antibodies quickly recognize and combat the antigens and remove those from our bodies. Antibodies also lead to better health. Antibodies also kill those antigens and help in increasing our energy and building our strength.

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Things to Remember

• Antibiotics is a part of CBSE class 12 Biology second term syllabus.
• It comes under Unit 8, chapter Microbes in human welfare and carries a total of 5 to 7 marks.
• Antibiotics are chemical substances that are produced from certain microorganisms to kill and combat other microorganisms which are harmful to our health.
• Antibiotics grow antibodies in our bodies which kill the antigens quickly and cure the diseases.
• Antibiotics are produced by the process of Fermentation.
• Antibiotics must be bought only when recommended and prescribed by a doctor.
• Antibiotics can cure simple illnesses such as colds and even can cure complex diseases such as crucial infections.

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Previous Year Questions

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