chemicals, secreted by soil fungi, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, are known as _____.
LectureNotes mentioned that chemicals, secreted by soil fungi, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, are known as antibiotics.
Antibiotics are substances produced by certain microorganisms, including soil fungi, to inhibit the growth of other microorganisms such as bacteria. These chemicals are naturally occurring and play a crucial role in defense mechanisms of soil fungi against bacterial competition. Antibiotics have been widely used in medicine to treat bacterial infections since the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
The mechanism of action of antibiotics involves targeting specific components or processes within bacterial cells, which are essential for their survival and growth. By interfering with these functions, antibiotics can kill bacteria or inhibit their growth, thus helping to eliminate the infection.
Antibiotics are classified into different groups based on their chemical structure and mode of action. Examples of commonly used antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. Each group of antibiotics has its own spectrum of activity, meaning they are effective against specific types of bacteria.
It is worth noting that the misuse or overuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become resistant to the effects of the drugs. This is a major concern in healthcare, as it limits the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating infections. Therefore, it is important to use antibiotics judiciously and only when necessary, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.