CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Infectious diseases
A farmer routinely includes low doses of antibiotics in the feed of healthy livestock to promote growth. In a nearby hospital, a patient has contracted a bacterial wound infection that does not respond to penicillin or several other common antibiotics. Outline how penicillin acts on bacteria, explain why antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and discuss the consequences of antibiotic resistance and the steps that can be taken to reduce its impact.
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.
Outline means: Give the main points briefly. Less detail than describe, but every key step has to be there. One short line per step, in order. The marks are for coverage, not depth.
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.