Biology Topic Practice

Plants and Microbes in Medicine

Many traditional heart and pain medicines were originally discovered in plants and microorganisms.

Which drug was originally extracted from foxgloves?

What is Plants and Microbes in Medicine?

"Drug discovery history involves the identification of active compounds from natural sources like plants and fungi."

Question 1

Antibiotics such as penicillin are used to treat:

Question 2

Which statement about the discovery of medicines is correct?

Question 3

What happens in preclinical testing of a potential new medicine?

Nature's Pharmacy

Digitalis (heart drug) originates from foxgloves.

Aspirin (painkiller) originates from willow bark.

Penicillin (antibiotic) was discovered by Alexander Fleming from a mould.

Exam Tip

Most new drugs are now synthesised by chemists in the pharmaceutical industry.

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