CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Infectious diseases
A patient with bacterial pneumonia is prescribed penicillin. The patient also has a viral cold and asks why penicillin will not cure it. Laboratory tests show the bacteria are resistant to penicillin. Discuss the mode of action of penicillin, why it is ineffective against viruses, one consequence of antibiotic resistance, and two distinct measures to reduce the impact of antibiotic resistance.
6 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 6 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Discuss means: Set out the points on more than one side and weigh them up. Cover both sides, then finish with a judgement that follows from what you wrote.
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