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

3227 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the components of the fluid mosaic model (6).


What is endosymbiosis and how does it relate to mitochondria?


Explain the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis


Why is the genetic code described as being universal?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences