Why are antibiotics not used to treat viral infections?

Antibiotics target a variety of sites on bacteria (disruption DNA or cell wall or protein synthesis). These are not found in viruses - viruses lack cell walls, ribosomes or cell membranes.Antibiotics would not be able to reach a virus once it has infected a cell and is within it.

KL
Answered by Karl L. Biology tutor

3732 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

what are three main functions of the human liver?


Describe the reactions that link glycolysis to the krebs cycle


Describe what is meant by the double circulation system of the heart.


Endopeptidases and exopeptidases are involved in the hydrolysis of proteins. Name the other type of enzyme required for the complete hydrolysis of proteins to amino acids.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning