Antimicrobials That Kill Microorganisms Have the Suffix

Question

Antimicrobials that kill microorganisms have the suffix
A)-cidal.
B)-static.
C)-anti.
D)-genic.

Accepted Answer

Antimicrobials that kill microorganisms are called "bactericidal" or "-cidal" agents. Examples include antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporins, as well as disinfectants like bleach and hydrogen peroxide. The suffix "-static" is used to describe antimicrobials that only inhibit the growth of microorganisms, but don't kill them. The suffix "-anti" is used to describe drugs or agents that work against a specific pathogen, such as antivirals or antifungals. The suffix "-genic" is used to describe something that produces or creates something, such as a mutagenic agent that causes mutations in DNA. Therefore, the best choice is A)-cidal.