Final answer:
Substances that inhibit or prevent the growth of microorganisms are known as antimicrobial drugs. These include antibiotics and other chemical compounds that target and interfere with microbe-specific structures, as well as physical agents like heat and radiation used to control microbial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Substances that prevent or inhibit the growth of microorganisms are known as antimicrobial drugs. These chemical compounds can be naturally produced drugs, semisynthetic derivatives, or synthetic compounds that specifically target microbial structures and enzymes. They function either by killing specific microbes or inhibiting their growth. Antimicrobial drugs, which include antibiotics produced by prokaryotes, have saved countless lives by treating and controlling infectious diseases.
Alongside chemical forms such as disinfectants and antiseptics, physical agents like heat, cold, and radiation also serve as means to control microbial growth. The effectiveness of these antimicrobial agents often depends on factors such as the type of microbe, the cleanliness required, and the safety of the agent's use. Healthcare settings, in particular, depend on the prudent use of both physical and chemical antimicrobial products to maintain sanitation and control infections.