Practise 41 exam-style questions on Antibiotics and painkillers for AQA GCSE Biology. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
41 questions
1–4 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
2 marks
List two appropriate actions a patient should take when prescribed a course of antibiotics.
Model answer
Finish the full prescribed course and not share or save leftover antibiotics; follow dosage schedule and consult if side effects occur.
Explanation
Finishing the course reduces risk of leaving resistant survivors; not sharing prevents misuse and incorrect treatment of others.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Complete full course as prescribed (even if feeling better).
1 mark
Do not share or keep leftover antibiotics; follow dosage schedule.
Question 2
3 marks
A scientist uses the disc diffusion method to test five antibiotics on a bacterial strain. Explain how the scientist can tell which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to and one quantitative measure they could use.
Model answer
Clear zones around discs indicate sensitivity. The scientist can measure the diameter of the zone of inhibition (mm) to compare effectiveness.
Explanation
Antibiotic diffuses from the paper disc; if it inhibits the bacteria a clear zone forms. Measuring the zone diameter lets the scientist compare how effective each antibiotic is against that strain.
Mark scheme
1 mark
A clear zone (no bacterial growth) around a disc shows the bacteria are sensitive.
1 mark
If bacteria grow up to the disc there is resistance.
1 mark
Measure diameter of zone of inhibition (in mm) for a quantitative comparison.
Question 3
3 marks
A hospital isolates a bacterial strain resistant to multiple antibiotics. Describe two infection-control measures the hospital should implement to prevent spread.
Model answer
Isolate infected patients and use contact precautions (gloves, gowns); enforce strict hand hygiene and clean/disinfect equipment and environment. Screen and cohort contacts if needed.
Explanation
Isolation, hygiene and environmental cleaning limit transmission of resistant organisms within healthcare settings.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Isolate or cohort infected patients and use barrier nursing (gloves, gowns).
1 mark
Strict hand hygiene for staff, visitors and patients (handwashing/alcohol gel).
1 mark
Thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces/equipment and screening of contacts.
Question 4
4 marks
Explain how vaccination programmes can help to reduce antibiotic resistance in the population.
Model answer
Vaccines prevent infections, reducing the need for antibiotics; fewer antibiotics means less selection pressure for resistance. Vaccination can also reduce transmission of resistant strains.
Explanation
By lowering disease incidence and antibiotic consumption, vaccination reduces opportunities for resistant bacteria to be selected and spread.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Vaccination prevents infections that would otherwise require antibiotics.
1 mark
Less antibiotic use reduces selection pressure for resistant bacteria.
1 mark
Vaccines can reduce circulation and transmission of resistant strains in the community.
1 mark
Herd immunity can protect vulnerable people and reduce overall antibiotic prescriptions.
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