Page 39 - Innovator's Science-8

Be a scientist

Dr Maharaj Kishan Bhan was a well-known Indian doctor and
scientist. As Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, he
helped promote science and innovation in India. He played a
key role in developing the Rotavirus vaccine, which protects
children from diarrhoea. He believed in using research to
create affordable healthcare and made a big difference in
India's health and biotechnology sectors.
Science TREATMENT OF A DISEASE
Bytes

Testimony When our body cannot fight an infection, we may need to see a doctor who
An bio cs kill harmful
bacteria – but they do not can prescribe medicines called antibiotics . Antibiotics are special
work against viruses like medicines that kill bacteria or stop them from growing. They work only
the common cold or flu. against bacteria and do not work for viruses or other germs. Antibiotics
Using an bio cs too
o en or without a target parts of bacteria that are different from human cells, so they can kill
doctor's advice can make bacteria without harming our body. However, doctors warn against using
bacteria resistant,
meaning the medicines antibiotics too much or without a prescription because bacteria can
stop working over me. become resistant. Resistant bacteria are harder to kill and can cause longer
That's why it is important sickness or serious complications. So, it is important to take antibiotics only
to take an bio cs only
when prescribed and when needed and exactly as the doctor says. If our immune system cannot
always complete the full protect us from an infectious disease, we get sick and need to see a doctor.
course of treatment.
Doctors often give medicines called antibiotics to fight bacterial infections.
Antibiotics kill bacteria by targeting parts of bacterial cells that are different
from our own cells, so they don't harm us. However, antibiotics only work

against bacteria, not viruses or other germs. Overusing antibiotics can
make bacteria resistant, meaning these bacteria survive even after
treatment. This resistance makes infections harder to treat and can lead to
longer sickness or serious health problems. So, it's important to use
antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor and follow the instructions

carefully.

Activity-3 Aim: To understand how bacteria become resistant to an bio cs and learn safe
ways to use an bio cs responsibly.
Experiential Learning
Instruc ons:
1. Discuss with your classmates how
resistance spreads among bacteria.
2. Think about what steps we can take
to prevent an bio c resistance.
Preven on:
• Take an bio cs only when prescribed by a doctor.

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Science-8