antibiosis
inhibition or destruction of one organism by a metabolic product of another, including antibiotics, enzymes, and volatile (readily evaporate) substances- Common in soil-borne fungi and bacteria
Antibiosis is a biological phenomenon where one organism produces a substance that is harmful to another organism. The substance, referred to as an antibiotic, can either kill or inhibit the growth of the target organism. Antibiotics can be produced by a wide range of organisms, including some bacteria, fungi, and even plants.
Antibiosis plays a crucial role in biological competition, as it allows an organism to gain a competitive advantage over other organisms for resources like food, space, and water. For example, in the soil, bacteria may produce antibiotics to inhibit the growth of other bacteria to reduce competition for nutrients.
Antibiotics have been widely used in medicine to treat bacterial infections. The use of antibiotics can be both curative and preventive. Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections by destroying pathogenic bacteria, and they can prevent bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, allowing the immune system to fight off the infection.
However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can cause serious infections that are difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to use antibiotics appropriately and sparingly to ensure their effectiveness over time.
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