# Explain why it is important that people complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by their doctor, even if they begin to feel better before the course is finished.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.6.3 Medicines and drugs · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Some bacteria may still be present / not all bacteria are killed early in the course
2. Stopping early allows surviving bacteria to reproduce / multiply
3. Surviving bacteria may be those that are resistant to the antibiotic
4. This leads to an increase in antibiotic-resistant strains / makes the antibiotic less effective in future

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](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/explain-why-it-is-important-that-8c8334b1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.