Question

What are antibiotics? Name any two microbes which are used in the production of antibiotics.

Hint:

Remember: Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections. Fungi ({Penicillium}) and bacteria ({Streptomyces}) are key sources.

Answer 1

Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria. Two microbes used for antibiotic production are: \[ \begin{array}{|c|c|} \hline \textbf{Microbe} & \textbf{Antibiotic Produced} \\ \hline \text{Penicillium} & \text{Penicillin} \\ \text{Streptomyces} & \text{Streptomycin} \\ \hline \end{array} \] Antibiotics are produced by fungi and bacteria to combat bacterial infections. \textit{Penicillium} produces penicillin, while \textit{Streptomyces} produces streptomycin.