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

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is ATP and what makes it a good source of energy in biological processes?


Describe the ways in which LDLs and HDLs affect the formation of atheromas.


What is the difference between B and T cells?


What is competitive inhibition in enzymes?