Final answer:
A bacteriostatic agent inhibits the growth of bacteria without killing them, with the effect being reversible. Bacteriostatic differs from bactericidal agents, which kill bacteria outright.
Step-by-step explanation:
The agent that will inhibit the growth of bacteria without killing them is called bacteriostatic. Bacteriostatic.
Bacteriostatic agents prevent the proliferation of bacteria by interfering with their metabolic processes such as protein synthesis or DNA replication. This inhibition is reversible, meaning once the bacteriostatic agent is removed, the bacteria may resume growth. This distinguishes bacteriostatic agents from bactericidal agents, which actually kill bacteria. Antiseptics and disinfectants can have bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties, but their use depends on whether the application is on living tissues or inanimate objects, respectively. Selective agents like bile salts and crystal violet can be bacteriostatic by inhibiting the growth of specific bacteria such as most Gram positive, non-enteric bacteria.
An agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria without killing them is referred to as bacteriostatic. Bacteriostatic agents slow down or prevent the reproduction of bacteria, allowing the immune system to eliminate the existing bacteria naturally.
For example, tetracycline is a commonly used bacteriostatic antibiotic. It inhibits the protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing them from growing and dividing. This allows the immune system to clear the infection.