Biology questions
- Question two: What is the relationship between Gram staining and choice of antibiotics? Explain
Gram staining is a method that separates gram-positive from gram-negative bacteria. The separation is based on the cell wall characteristics in each type. Also, cell, permeability on both the species presents another step for characterization. Gram-positive bacteria lack an established cell wall, unlike gram-negative class (Takenaka et al., .192). They lack the peptidoglycan layer. Another differentiation point is that gram-positive bacteria retain the violet color while gram-negative type does not. They instead appear pink or red. Research suggests that gram-negative species of bacteria are more resistant to various antibodies and antibiotics as compared to gram-positive due to the presence of the impermeable cell wall.
Moreover, laboratory and clinical tests and experiments show that this gram staining receives a varying degree of susceptibility to antibiotics. It leads to the adherence of different choices during the treatment of any infection caused by the various strain of bacteria. There are different antibiotics for both grams positive and gram-negative bacteria. For instance, the whole penicillin group is used for the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. Examples of gram-positive bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Pneumococcal, among others (Takenaka et al. 342). Resistance can be explained based on opposition to the antibiotics due to a mutation in the Penicillin-binding protein (PBP). The protein exists inside the cell. Upon variation of the PBP, the drug fails to get the entry in the cell; hence it cannot be destroyed or instead killed. Additionally, penicillin works by inhibiting the formation of the cell wall in these strains of bacteria.
- Question 8: What is one thing all hepatitis shares? What is one thing different in all hepatitis? Provide three specific ways to prevent hepatitis A and three particular ways to prevent hepatitis C
One thing that all the different types of hepatitis share are that they affect the human liver and cause it to become inflamed. The term hepatitis means the inflammation of the human liver. Upon inflammation and damage, the liver cannot perform its function well. There are numerous causes of the different types of hepatitis. On the other hand, one thing different in all kinds of hepatitis is on their modes of transmission. There are various modes of communication in all the different kinds of hepatitis, although the causative agent might be similar.
Ways to prevent hepatitis A
- Vaccination: there exists a hepatitis A vaccine in the market. Therefore, individuals can be immunized against the disease to prevent them from getting infected.
- Good hand hygiene: Practising good hand hygiene also helps in the prevention of the disease.
- Maintenance of general body cleanness also helps in preventing hepatitis A
Ways to prevent hepatitis C
- The use of condoms is recommended during sexual intercourse if one of the partners is established to suffer from the infection. Latex condoms can prevent the transmission of the infection
- Oral therapy pills can also be administered to people for 8-12 weeks since there is no vaccine for the disease. However, it is also advisable for people to receive shots for hepatitis A and B as a preventive measure for the two infections.
- People should avoid the intake of alcohol to protect themselves from damaging their liver.
References
Takenaka, Yukinori, et al. “Gram staining for the treatment of a peritonsillar abscess.”
International journal of otolaryngology 2012 (2012).
Krawitt, Edward L. “Autoimmune hepatitis.” New England Journal of Medicine 354.1
(2006): 54-66.