Final answer:
Penicillin, a type of antibiotic, saved lives by treating bacterial infections that soldiers encountered in World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
Penicillin, a type of antibiotic, played a crucial role in helping soldiers during World War II. It was effective in treating bacterial infections that soldiers often encountered on the battlefield, such as wound infections. By killing the bacteria causing these infections, penicillin helped prevent complications and saved lives.
For example, soldiers with infected wounds could be given penicillin to kill the bacteria and promote healing. This was particularly important because infections were a major cause of death in war injuries. Penicillin was developed on a large scale during the war and made available to soldiers, greatly reducing the mortality rate from bacterial infections.