# Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Explain why antibiotics are not prescribed for patients suffering from a viral infection.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.8 Disease, defence and treatment · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Antibiotics target bacteria (not viruses)
2. Viruses reproduce/replicate inside host cells
3. Antibiotics cannot enter host cells / cannot reach the virus without harming the host cell
4. Overuse/misuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (e.g. MRSA), so unnecessary use should be avoided

## Key terms

- [antibiotics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/antibiotics)
- [bacteria](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/bacteria)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/antibiotics-are-medicines-used-to-treat-842faded) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.