Explain why it is important for a patient to complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, even if they feel better before the course is finished.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 15.1 Drugs · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

1. If the course is stopped early, some bacteria may not have been killed.
2. The surviving bacteria may include those with a mutation that confers antibiotic resistance.
3. These resistant bacteria survive and reproduce, passing on the resistance.
4. This results in a larger population of antibiotic‑resistant bacteria that are harder to treat.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact wording from the mark scheme, e.g. "survive and reproduce". Include all four points in the correct order. Keep each point short and to the point.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving out the point about surviving bacteria having a resistance mutation. Using vague phrases like "bacteria may still be alive" instead of the specific wording. Failing to mention that the resistant bacteria pass on the resistance.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Some bacteria may not have been killed if the course is stopped early
  2. Surviving bacteria may include those with a mutation conferring antibiotic resistance
  3. Resistant bacteria survive and reproduce, passing on resistance
  4. This leads to a larger population of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that are harder to treat

Key terms in this question

antibiotic

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