Which term refers to a medicine that inhibits the growth of microorganisms?

Which term refers to a medicine that inhibits the growth of microorganisms?

• A. Iodine
• B. Antibiotic
• C. Antiseptic
• D. Aspirin

Answer: (B)

Medicines that slow or stop the growth of bacteria are called antibiotics. They work by interfering with essential bacterial processes, so they can either suppress growth (bacteriostatic) or kill the bacteria outright (bactericidal). This distinguishes antibiotics from antiseptics like iodine, which are used on living tissue to prevent infection but aren’t systemic medicines, and from aspirin, which has no antimicrobial activity. So the term that refers to a medicine that inhibits the growth of microorganisms is antibiotic.

Medicines that slow or stop the growth of bacteria are called antibiotics. They work by interfering with essential bacterial processes, so they can either suppress growth (bacteriostatic) or kill the bacteria outright (bactericidal). This distinguishes antibiotics from antiseptics like iodine, which are used on living tissue to prevent infection but aren’t systemic medicines, and from aspirin, which has no antimicrobial activity. So the term that refers to a medicine that inhibits the growth of microorganisms is antibiotic.