Choose the correct answer from each of the four options given below:
Penicillin obtained from a fungus is:
Topic: Antibiotics
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Pick an option and check your answer. The full worked answer is below either way.
Answer
(a) Antibiotic.
PENICILLIN is an ANTIBIOTIC — a substance obtained from a micro-organism (here the fungus Penicillium) which kills or inhibits the growth of other micro-organisms. It was discovered by ALEXANDER FLEMING in 1928.
The four options are easily confused and worth separating once and for all: ANTIBIOTIC — from a MICRO-ORGANISM; taken INTERNALLY to kill bacteria inside the body ANTISEPTIC — a mild chemical applied to LIVING TISSUE, on wounds and skin (Dettol, tincture of iodine) ANTIBODY — a PROTEIN made by our own LYMPHOCYTES in response to an antigen ANTISERUM — a serum containing READY-MADE antibodies, injected to give immediate passive immunity (as after a snake bite)
The distinction that decides this question is the SOURCE: an antibiotic comes from a micro-organism, an antibody from our own body.
Antibiotic.