Synthetic antimicrobial

Definition

Synthetic antimicrobials are man-made chemicals designed to inhibit or kill microorganisms. They are engineered in laboratories rather than derived from natural sources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Synthetic antimicrobials can target a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
2. They are often used when natural antibiotics are ineffective or when resistance has developed.
3. Sulfa drugs were among the first synthetic antimicrobials to be widely used.
4. Synthetic antimicrobials can be tailored to have specific modes of action against pathogens.
5. They play a crucial role in modern medicine by providing alternatives to naturally occurring antibiotics.

Review Questions

• What is the primary difference between synthetic antimicrobials and natural antibiotics?
• Why might a doctor choose a synthetic antimicrobial over a natural one?
• Name an example of an early synthetic antimicrobial and its historical significance.

Related terms

Antibiotic: A substance produced by microorganisms that inhibits the growth of or destroys other microorganisms.

Chemotherapy: The use of chemical substances to treat diseases, particularly cancer and infections.

Antimicrobial Resistance: The ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of medication that once could successfully treat them.