Final answer:
A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria is called bacteriostatic, while fungistatic refers to compounds preventing fungal growth. Semisynthetic antimicrobials are modified natural substances with broader activity, and antiseptics are used on tissues for infection control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best term to describe a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria is bacteriostatic. Bacteriostatic substances are those that cause a reversible inhibition of growth, with bacterial growth being able to restart after elimination of the drug. In contrast, bactericidal agents actually kill the bacteria. It is important to note that the choice between using a bacteriostatic or bactericidal agent can depend on the immune status of a patient and the nature of the infection.
When discussing substances that inhibit the growth of molds and yeast, the appropriate term is fungistatic. Unlike bacteriostatic agents, fungistatic compounds specifically prevent the growth of fungi without necessarily killing them. This distinction highlights the importance of selective toxicity, where antimicrobial drugs aim to target microbial entities without causing harm to the host organism.
When referring to a soil bacterium that produces a substance which then gets modified to kill a broader range of bacteria, this modified compound is a semisynthetic antimicrobial drug. Lastly, for microbial control on tissues to prevent infection, the suitable term is antiseptic.