Question

2. Why do broad-spectrum antibiotics such as streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline inhibit a wide variety of prokaryotes, but do not harm human cells? a. 3. If an infectious agent is sensitive to several antimicrobial drugs, what other considerations might be taken into consideration to determine which drug should be prescribed to the patient? a 4. Look at a household cleanser or antiseptic that you use in your own home. What claims are made about its effectiveness against microbes (read the fine print on the label for details)? Is this product adequate for your uses? (4 pts)

Answer 1

Answer to the first question(Q. 2) is given here.

Broad specific antibiotic inhibits bacterial growth by binding to structures or enzymes that carry out important biological processes.These structures are unique to bacteria and will not be found in human cells.For example streptomycin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline inhibit protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes of bacteria.These antibiotics can bind only to ribosomes of bacteria and not to ribosomes in human cells which are different in structure.Therefore broad spectrum antibiotics do not affect human cells.