Problem 28 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Which one of the following is an antibiotic? (a) aspirin (b) analgin (c) phenacetin (d) penicillin

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Penicillin is the antibiotic.

Step 1: Understanding Antibiotics

Antibiotics are substances used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from reproducing and spreading.

Step 2: Analyze Each Option

Consider the function of each substance listed: (a) Aspirin - primarily a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, not an antibiotic. (b) Analgin - a painkiller and anti-inflammatory, not an antibiotic. (c) Phenacetin - used to relieve pain and fever, not an antibiotic. (d) Penicillin - a well-known antibiotic derived from Penicillium fungi, used to treat bacterial infections.

Step 3: Conclusion

Based on the function of each substance, penicillin is the only option that works as an antibiotic. It is explicitly used to combat bacterial infections.

Key Concepts

Penicillin

Penicillin is a groundbreaking antibiotic that changed the field of medicine. Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, it comes from the mold Penicillium. Before penicillin, many bacterial infections often resulted in death due to a lack of effective treatments. Penicillin works by attacking the cell walls of bacteria, weakening them and ultimately causing the bacteria to die. This disrupts their ability to survive and multiply.
Unlike painkillers or anti-inflammatories, penicillin specifically targets bacterial pathogens, making it unique among medications.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are illnesses caused by harmful bacteria entering the body. These bacteria can multiply quickly, leading to symptoms like fever, fatigue, and inflammation. They can affect various parts of the body such as:

• Respiratory system (pneumonia, tuberculosis)
• Urinary tract (UTIs)
• Skin (cellulitis)

Not all bacteria are harmful; some are necessary for our health. However, when pathogenic bacteria invade, they can create serious health issues. Antibiotics like penicillin are essential in fighting these infections, by either killing the bacteria or stopping their growth.

Antibiotic Function

Antibiotics are essential medicines that help fight bacterial infections. They function by either killing bacteria outright or inhibiting their reproduction and growth. This can stop the spread of infection in the body, allowing the immune system to catch up and eradicate the infection. There are different types of antibiotics, each targeting bacteria in various ways, such as:

• Disrupting the cell wall or membrane of bacteria
• Interfering with protein synthesis
• Blocking DNA replication

It's important to use antibiotics properly to avoid resistance, which occurs when bacteria evolve ways to survive antibiotic treatment. Completing prescribed courses and using antibiotics only when necessary are key practices to maintain their effectiveness.