Question

Compare the zone of inhibition chart for ampicillin (when testing Gram-positive organisms) and chloramphenicol. What might you predict based on these data?

1) Ampicillin diffuses much faster/farther into the agar than does chloramphenicol.
2) Most organisms are resistant to chloramphenicol but not to ampicillin.
3) Ampicillin is a much more potent antibiotic than chloramphenicol.
4) Most organisms are resistant to ampicillin, but not to chloramphenicol.

Answer 1

Comparing the zone of inhibition chart for ampicillin and chloramphenicol can provide insights into their effectiveness as antibiotics. Based on the data, we can predict the diffusion capabilities, resistance patterns, and potency of these antibiotics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing the zone of inhibition chart for ampicillin (when testing Gram-positive organisms) and chloramphenicol can provide insights into their effectiveness as antibiotics. The zone of inhibition refers to the area around an antibiotic disk where bacterial growth is inhibited. Based on the data, we can make the following predictions:

1. Ampicillin diffuses much faster/farther into the agar than does chloramphenicol: If the zone of inhibition for ampicillin is larger compared to chloramphenicol, it suggests that ampicillin diffuses more easily through the agar, indicating faster and farther diffusion.
2. Most organisms are resistant to chloramphenicol but not to ampicillin: If the zone of inhibition for chloramphenicol is smaller or nonexistent, while ampicillin shows a significant zone of inhibition, it suggests that most organisms tested are resistant to chloramphenicol but susceptible to ampicillin.
3. Ampicillin is a much more potent antibiotic than chloramphenicol: If the zone of inhibition for ampicillin is larger than that of chloramphenicol when comparing the same concentration of both antibiotics, it indicates that ampicillin has a stronger inhibitory effect and is more potent against Gram-positive organisms.
4. Most organisms are resistant to ampicillin, but not to chloramphenicol: If the zone of inhibition for ampicillin is smaller or nonexistent, while chloramphenicol shows a significant zone of inhibition, it suggests that most organisms tested are resistant to ampicillin but susceptible to chloramphenicol.