Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Antibiotics Guarding Against Bacteria

Word Count Emoji
446 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Antibiotics - What's the Buzz? 💡

Antibiotics are like bodyguards for our body. They are chemicals that slow down the growth of those pesky microorganisms, especially bacteria.

  • Real-world Example: Think of antibiotics as the bouncers at a club. They keep the troublemakers (bacteria) out, but let the cool kids (our cells) party on!

How Do They Work? 🔍

Most antibiotics work against bacteria, not our cells. Why? They block certain processes in bacteria that our cells don't use.

  • They stop bacteria from

    • Copying their DNA
    • Making RNA from DNA (transcription)
    • Building proteins from RNA (translation)
    • Using their ribosomes
    • Constructing their protective walls
  • Fun Fact: It's like if bacteria had a specific Wi-Fi password and the antibiotics knew it and blocked their connection!

Fungus Among Us - Where Do Antibiotics Come From? 🍄

Many antibiotics come from saprotrophic fungi (those that feed on dead matter).

  • Why? These fungi and bacteria both like munching on dead stuff. It's a food fight! Fungi produce antibiotics to stop bacteria from taking their lunch.

  • Star Player: Penicillin. Produced by some strains of the Penicillium fungus. Imagine if fungi had reality TV; this would be their survival strategy when food is scarce and bacteria are moving in on their territory!

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IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Antibiotics Guarding Against Bacteria

Word Count Emoji
446 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Antibiotics - What's the Buzz? 💡

Antibiotics are like bodyguards for our body. They are chemicals that slow down the growth of those pesky microorganisms, especially bacteria.

  • Real-world Example: Think of antibiotics as the bouncers at a club. They keep the troublemakers (bacteria) out, but let the cool kids (our cells) party on!

How Do They Work? 🔍

Most antibiotics work against bacteria, not our cells. Why? They block certain processes in bacteria that our cells don't use.

  • They stop bacteria from

    • Copying their DNA
    • Making RNA from DNA (transcription)
    • Building proteins from RNA (translation)
    • Using their ribosomes
    • Constructing their protective walls
  • Fun Fact: It's like if bacteria had a specific Wi-Fi password and the antibiotics knew it and blocked their connection!

Fungus Among Us - Where Do Antibiotics Come From? 🍄

Many antibiotics come from saprotrophic fungi (those that feed on dead matter).

  • Why? These fungi and bacteria both like munching on dead stuff. It's a food fight! Fungi produce antibiotics to stop bacteria from taking their lunch.

  • Star Player: Penicillin. Produced by some strains of the Penicillium fungus. Imagine if fungi had reality TV; this would be their survival strategy when food is scarce and bacteria are moving in on their territory!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟